Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is additional funding designed to help postgraduate students in Northern Ireland with extra essential costs that arise as a direct result of a disability. This can include support for students with long-term health conditions, mental-health conditions, physical disabilities, or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. The allowance is not based on household income but rather on individual needs assessment. The DSA can cover various disability-related costs including specialist equipment (such as computers needed because of a disability), non-medical helpers, extra travel expenses related to the disability, and other disability-related costs of studying. It's important to note that the allowance does not cover disability-related costs that would exist regardless of studying or any non-disability related expenses. A key benefit of this allowance is that it does not need to be repaid, unless the student is overpaid or leaves their course early. Students can apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance alongside any other available student finance each year. The application process is available through the student finance account portal, and students must keep their information current as changes to course or personal details can affect funding.