The Disabled Students’ Allowance, or DSA for short, is a very important thing in ensuring equality and access to higher education. You may have heard of DSA before, but might not know what exactly it does. For example, DSA will provide a contribution towards a laptop. But, how much does DSA pay towards a laptop? Well, that’s what this article is about.
What is DSA?
So, what is DSA? Well, according to the government website, the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) provides support to cover any study-related expenses you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or another disability. While this doesn’t cover living expenses like rent or groceries, the DSA grant can be alongside any additional student finance. Plus, you don’t have to pay back any money you get from DSA to the government.
What proof do you need for DSA?
To get a DSA grant, you will need a few things. First, you’ll need written evidence from your GP of your condition, detailing your diagnosis. This is then sent off to your funding body, alongside a DSA 1 form. Once you’ve submitted this, you will have to complete a study needs assessment. This can be done either online or in person, depending on your condition, and is essentially just a chat with an experienced assessor, who will determine what support you will need for your studies.
How much will they pay?
So, how much does DSA pay towards a laptop? Well, it depends on the type of laptop in question. You have to pay a minimum of £200 towards the laptop, and then DSA will make up the difference. Bear in mind that this is for a laptop that is recommended by the provider. If you want a fancier laptop, then you will have to contribute more. For instance, if you choose to buy the latest MacBook, you will have to contribute £800 and DSA will provide the additional £599 (in this instance). But, it is yours to keep following graduation, so that might mean it’s worth it.
What else can they support?
DSA does not just provide money for a laptop. They provide support to cover any study-related costs that may occur as a result of a disability, which comes in a variety of forms. In addition to electronic equipment like a laptop, the DSA allowance can help to fund the costs of non-medical helpers, such as a sign language interpreter. The allowance can also cover funds for extra travel to attend the course or placement due to your disability, as well as any other disability-related study support. What you get and how much support you’re given depends entirely on your needs.
So, if you’re thinking about how much does DSA pay towards a laptop, it kind of depends on the type of laptop that you purchase. You will have to pay a minimum of £200 towards the laptop, with DSA making up the difference. But, if you choose to buy the latest MacBook for instance, you will have to contribute £800 towards it. So, it depends on what laptop you buy. That’s the simple answer.
For more information on what you’ll need at university, check out the 10 essential items for uni that you may not have known that you needed.
Last Updated on November 29, 2024
Published on August 31, 2023
A student from University of Nottingham.
