What do DSAs Cover?

DSAs are not paid as a set amount, but are split into sections to cover different kinds of costs. You will only get enough money from the DSAs to cover the cost of equipment or support you need as a direct result of your disability.  The amount of DSAs you receive will depend on your DSA assessment.  However, there is a limit to the amount of help you can get from the DSAs.  The rates shown below are the maximum you can get if you are a full time undergraduate (rates are different for part time undergraduates).  They are meant to support people with a high level of need, so most people will get less than the maximum.
 
The rates of allowances for full-time undergraduate students for 2009/20010 are:
 
Specialist equipment allowance (to help you buy any items of equipment you may need) - up to £5,161 for the whole of your course.

Non-medical helper's allowance (for any helpers, such as readers, sign-language interpreters, note-takers and other non-medical assistants you need to benefit fully from your course) - up to £20,520 a year.
 
General Disabled Students' Allowance (for other disability-related spending such as book allowances or Braille paper) - up to £1,724 a year.
 
For postgraduate (full-time and part-time) students, there is one allowance to meet all costs of up to £10,260 per academic year.  You can use this for specialist equipment, non-medical personal helpers, extra travel costs or other course-related costs.  The amount of DSAs you receive will depend on the support needs identified in your DSA assessment.