Getting ready for university and DSA

Ahead of A-level results day we’ve prepared some useful information for students getting ready for university.

How much do you know about The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) covers the study-related costs you may incur because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability.

This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get and the type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs (not your household income).

During the 2021 to 2022 academic year undergraduate and postgraduate students could get up to £25,000 a year for support. As of the next academic year, undergraduate and postgraduate students can receive up to £25,575 a year to pay for specialist equipment or non-medical helpers. This could include a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, a note taker or additional travel costs incurred as a result of a disability.

But how do you get started?

The government’s dedicated DSA page explains ‘Once your eligibility for DSA is confirmed, Student Finance England may ask you to contact an assessment centre to work out what help you need.

This is known as a needs assessment. Do not book this until Student Finance England asks you to.

The assessment is paid for through any DSA entitlement you may have.

After the assessment, you’ll get a report listing equipment and other support you can get for your course.’

The website also has a useful eligibility section you might find helpful in explaining whether you can apply, viewable here!

Our advice on DSA with feedback from Trainer Thomas Jackson

We caught up with Lead Trainer, Thomas Jackson to get his top tips on applying for DSA:

‘When applying for equipment/software through the DSA there is so much information to take on board and it can be very overwhelming, but we are always ready to help. Once you have been for your assessment and you have received your approval letter (DSA2 letter) you need to know which companies are supplying different levels of support to you.

On page 2 and 3 of your approval letter, you will see all of your suppliers listed and the item that they are supplying. At Remtek Systems we would recommend that you email a copy of your approval letter to each one of your suppliers listed. This will give them all of the information needed about you.

If Remtek Systems is your supplier, please send the approval letter to orders@remtek-online.co.uk and you will receive an automatic email to advise we have received the order. It will then be processed within 24 hours. Once the order has been processed you will receive another email. Then you can book in delivery by calling the office number 0161 745 8353 and pressing option 1, or you can email us at admin@remtek-online.co.uk.

*If you have separate ergonomic equipment, please also send the approval letter to that company*

After waiting 24 hours since emailing the supplier companies, you will be able to call or email to book in dates for the item they are supplying. Always book in your equipment/software delivery before booking your training.

Once at University, then you can book your one-to-one study skills and specialist mentor support sessions.

Good luck on receiving the results that you want, from everyone at Remtek Systems.’ Thomas Jackson

Next steps

For Disabled Students’ Allowance application forms and notes for 2022 to 2023 full-time students visit the government website here. For any additional information about the process and Remtek Systems services contact us on 0161 745 8353 or email us at admin@remtek-online.co.uk.

Get involved

If you are a student, industry professional or DSA business we would like you to get involved. We’re always looking for feedback and ‘Student Champions’ for Remtek Students to improve the student journey.

If you have advice or information that could be useful to students get in touch today. Contact Danielle at danielle@clickstartmarketing.org.