I have a disability. Can I get any extra help?
Yes. You may be eligible to claim for the Disabled Students' Allowance for certain extra expenses that arise because you are on the course. Before we can pay this allowance, you will need to fill in a form to give us more information. You can ask for this form on the main application form or you can download one from this site. We may refer you to an assessment centre for advice on the equipment you may need. This can take time so it is essential that you apply as early as possible.
Contact us on 0845 111 0244 or e-mail us at SAAS_4@scotland.gsi.gov.uk to get more information.
When can I apply for DSA?
We have to confirm that you have been accepted onto a course that we support before we can consider you for the additional allowances such as DSA.
The process can take time so it is essential that you apply for the DSA as early as possible. If you apply to us in good time, we will do our best to make sure that we issue any DSA funds that we approve to you before you start your course.
I will not be applying to you for a student loan or for my fees. Can I apply for DSA?
If you will not be applying to us for a student loan or for your fees, you must still be eligible to apply to us for support before we can consider a DSA application. However, if you are studying a postgraduate course that we do not support you may be eligible to apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance.
If we are not paying your fees because of previous support and you do not want to apply for a student loan, you can still apply for support from the DSA only. However, if we are not paying your fees because you do not meet our eligibility requirements, you cannot apply for support from the DSA.
You should contact us if you are in any doubt about your eligibility.
How do I find out what equipment or other help I need?
If you need advice about equipment or other support you can get, the disability adviser at your institution may be able to help you. You should be cautious about getting advice from retailers and manufacturers who may have no facility for assessing individual needs and who lack the specialist knowledge to provide reliable advice. Our staff cannot offer advice about equipment or other help.
Access centres will only give you an appointment for an assessment for DSA if we refer you to them.
I will be getting a dyslexia assessment by an Educational Psychologist. Who pays for the assessment?
We will not pay the costs of working out whether you have a disability or specific learning disability. We will only pay for a needs assessment report which has been done by a recognised access centre or an institution who have the necessary qualified staff to carry out the needs assessments. However, your University or College may be able to help towards this cost from their hardship funds. Contact them directly for more information.
Can I buy equipment before my course begins?
We may pay for equipment we have approved shortly before the start of your course so that it is available at the beginning of your studies. We will only make such payments if there is a strong case for you receiving them before your course starts, on the clear understanding that you will repay the money in full if you do not start and continue on your course.
What happens to the equipment when I complete my course?
All the equipment you buy with DSA is, and will stay, your property. You may decide to offer the equipment to your institution for other students to use, but you do not have to do so. You should be aware that if you decide to leave your course before you have completed it and do not transfer to another one, we may ask you to repay some or all of the cost of the equipment.
What if I transfer to another course and need different equipment?
We can only allow up to the maximum amount of the allowance for special equipment for the whole course. If you have already received the maximum, we cannot give you any more help.
Who can you make payments to?
We can make payments to:
- you;
- your institution; or
- your non-medical helper.
- If your service provider is a friend or relative we can arrange for payments to be made straight to them. We will ask you and your service provider to sign and date an invoice. If you do not take up this option, you must make sure that you pay your service provider as soon as possible after you receive payment from us.
What does the DSA not pay for?
DSA is a personal allowance that we pay to eligible students who have more costs for their course because of their disability. Your institution has an obligation to provide you with certain facilities to allow you to study. For example, you might need a specially adapted chair, a sloping board on your desk; or you might need to use special tools. You should talk to the disability adviser at your institution to find out what facilities will be available to you.
We may not pay for some of the facilities that are not available and you should contact us if you are in any doubt about what you can use the DSA for.