Page 25 - RVC Support for Students 2015

5. FINANCIAL HELP
If you have costs arising from studying with a disability there
is assistance available to you. If you are a Home student, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) from the UK government. Home students are classified as individuals who are settled in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for a full three years for non- study related purposes. This means that you have to have been living in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of your course.
International students and students from the European Community
are not eligible for the DSA. If you are an International or EU student, you can apply to the College for assistance to support you with disability-related costs via an in- house assessment.
5.1 Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)
The DSA is awarded via the UK Government which can make a contribution towards the extra costs you may have as a direct result of studying in higher education with a disability.
The DSA is not means-tested, which means that any other income or benefits you receive do not affect your entitlement. Your parents income will also not be taken into account.
Am I eligible?
You can apply for the DSA if you have a disability. We can advise you on what this is but generally this does include dyslexia, other specific learning differences, or a long term medical/mental health condition. You need to be a Home student and:
• studying full or part-time at undergraduate level
• on a part-time course which is equivalent to at least 50 per cent of the full time course
• a postgraduate attending a recognised taught or research- based course.
What can the DSA pay for?
DSAs are not paid as a set amount and the actual amount you will receive is calculated according
to your needs. Students may be able to receive assistance towards specialist software and ergonomic equipment, specialist tuition, mentoring and travel costs.
Costs unconnected with a disability cannot be claimed from the Allowance, nor can costs you would have incurred if you were not a student. For example you cannot claim for medicines or specialist treatments. Also, the cost of identifying a disability cannot be paid for through the DSA, such as a dyslexia diagnostic assessment.
How and when should I apply?
The DSA is administered through Student Finance England (SFE) or equivalent providers in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Once your application has been assessed you will be referred for a Needs Assessment in order to identify appropriate support and equipment and then funding is released by the relevant Provider.
If you have proof of acceptance on to your course, contact
your Student Finance disability team and tell them about your disability. It is important to start the application process as soon as possible so that support can be in place at the start of your course. You are able to do this when completing your financial assessment form (PR1) for your student loan entitlement. UK students will then need to complete a DSA1 form, which can also be downloaded from https:// www.gov.uk/disabled-students- allowances-dsas
The DSA will need proof of your disability such as a doctor’s letter, Educational Psychologist’s report or an audiogram.
Visit: https://www.gov.uk/disabled- students-allowances-dsas
International students can access support directly via the RVC
Please contact the Disability Adviser to discuss what is available.
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