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Getting funding for a disability

Find out about different types of financial support to help you with your studies if you have a disability.

Disabled Students’ Allowance

If you are a UK student, you may be entitled to Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

These can cover some of the extra costs you may have because of a disability, such as:

DSA is not a loan – you will never have to pay back any money or return any equipment you receive. They will not affect your finances or welfare benefits.

If you are not a UK national, you may be eligible for DSA if you:

  • have lived in the UK for the past five years or longer
  • have settled status or indefinite leave to remain in the UK
  • are a postgraduate student funded by a UK Research Council.

We may be able to cover the cost of some additional study support. The amount and type of support depends on your circumstances and what we consider reasonable to fund.

We may fund one-to-one mentoring or study skill sessions for students with autism, mental health difficulties or Specific Learning Differences.

How to apply for DSA

There are a few steps you need to go through:

  1. gather evidence of your disability
  2. download form DSA1 from the UK government website
  3. add your evidence to the DSA1 form
  4. email your form to the funding provider.

We can help you apply for DSA. Get in touch through My Sussex if you would like more advice, or come to one of our drop-in sessions.

You’ll get an outcome within three weeks.

If your application is successful, you’ll be told to book a needs assessment.

You can choose whether to do the assessment remotely or attend your nearest needs assessment centre in-person.

You’ll be sent a report from your assessment by email explaining the support you’ve been recommended.

The funding provider also gets the report and will let you know what support you’re getting.

Getting your support

Once your funding has been approved, you’ll get this in a letter or email. It will explain what you’re eligible for and which supplier is providing it.

You can then order the support you need through the supplier.

If you have any problems or questions when doing this, get in touch through My Sussex.

Everyday living, personal care and medical care

You may be able to get financial support to cover the costs of:

  • everyday living, such as getting up, cooking, eating, getting around and going to bed
  • personal care, like washing, bathing, getting dressed and using the toilet
  • medical care, such as taking medication or changing dressings.

You need to contact your local council to get this kind of care. If you’re living in Brighton and Hove, find out about local social services and care assessments.

Important: Neither DSA, nor the University, can cover the cost of everyday living, personal care or medical care. Instead, you’ll need to contact your local authority.

If you already receive care, it’s best to arrange this before you start university.

If you’re an international student, make sure you have funding in place for social and personal care before you arrive.

Government benefits and financial support

If you are already receiving benefits from the UK government, some of these may change or be removed if you enter higher education. Please contact the respective government department associated with your financial support to check your eligibility whilst studying. You should also let the Benefits Agency, Jobcentre Plus, and other relevant organisations know that you're starting a course.

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a state benefit that can help students with disabilities pay for extra living costs. It's not means-tested, so it doesn't consider income or savings. You may be eligible for PIP if you need help with personal care or mobility due to a disability, illness, or mental health condition. You can apply for PIP even if you are a full-time student. Starting a course won't affect your entitlement to PIP, but if the activities you do as part of your course improve your health, your PIP may be reviewed.
  • Access to Work can help support students with disabilities stay in employment and can be paid to students who are on full-time placement programmes within their course, or who are taking a course with an integrated placement. The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for: a grant to help pay for practical support with your work; support with managing your mental health at work; and money to pay for communication support at job interviews or when undertaking your role. Access to work will not pay for reasonable adjustments, as these are the changes your employer must legally make to support you to do your job.

Hardship funding and welfare loans from the University

There are other types of funding available for students who are struggling financially.

Find out about hardship funding, welfare loans and tuition fees.

You can also contact our Funding team for money advice.

Other benefits from the local council

Some welfare benefits may also cover additional non-study-related costs that arise from your disability. Getting these can be a long process.

Find out about welfare benefits from Brighton and Hove City Council or check with your own local authority.

Further help and advice

If you need advice or support you can get in touch through My Sussex.

You can also:

  • come to a Disability Advisor drop-in, every Monday and Wednesday, 2pm-4pm, during term-time
  • visit the Student Centre Welcome desk, 8.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday
  • call 01273 075700, 9am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday.