Disabled Student's Allowance
Disabled Student's Allowance Application
Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) is a non-means tested allowance for all students with a disability who are already studying or about to study a higher education course. DSA covers additional study related costs that you may incur because of your disability, which includes hearing loss. The funding can be used to help buy any specialist equipment you may need.
You are able to claim for equipment that will enable you to hear better in lecture rooms and seminars, even to connect to your computer, phone and television.
You need to provide ‘medical evidence’ of your hearing disability when completing the DSA application form. This can be a letter from a Doctor, Audiologist or suitable hearing specialist. The form you need to complete can be downloaded here.
After you receive approval that you meet the DSA requirements, you will need to have an assessment of your needs by an Assessor – To find your nearest assessment centre click here.
The Assessor then writes a report to the funding authority. If you or the Disability Assessor are unsure of what is best for your situation we can loan equipment, for you to try, this will ensure the recommended equipment is suitable, tried and tested!
It can take up to three months to get your DSA support in place, so you should apply for it as soon as you have applied for a course. If you are due to start your course soon, or you are already on your course, you can still apply.
What Next?
If approved, the funding provider issues an entitlement letter to you. Upon receipt, you can order the equipment you need and the funding body pays all (or a percentage) of the bill for you.
Unlike your student loan – the money from the DSA does not need to be repaid. Once you have received your equipment you may want extra support on how it works. Gordon Morris are happy to provide that support; to help set-up the products and training on how it works. We offer training via face to face, Skype, phone or email for the duration of your studies.
"Phonak Roger Pen changed my life"
I received my Phonak Roger Pen at university, with the help of DSA.
With the help of Roger, I was able to turn off background noise and solely focus on my lecturer’s voice, or could switch modes for a feel for the wider environment.
With added functionality like music streaming and mobile phone compatibility, I slowly started to feel like I was fully part of society. I was able to interact, connect and get involved in activities with my peers.
My quality of life is far improved.
The sound of the Phonak Roger Pen is impeccable and reaches an impressive level of distance around me.
Charlotte Weir, aged 20
Studying History and Law at the University of Chester