What can the DSA pay for?

The DSA is non-means-tested, which means that any other income or benefits you receive do not affect your entitlement, and it should not affect any benefits you are receiving.

There is also no age limit when applying for the DSA.

DSA allowances

You may be eligible for four allowances:

  1. Specialist equipment allowance: this is a one-off payment for major items of equipment (e.g. computers, specialist software, printer, scanner, digital recorders or specialist furniture) and for repairs, technical support and training.
  2. Non-medical helper's allowance: this is an annual allowance, which pays for required support by personal assistants (e.g. note-takers, interpreters, readers or dyslexia tutorial support, mentoring support), so that you can benefit fully from your course. It does not meet the cost of personal care, which is the responsibility of your Social Services Department.
  3. General allowance: this annual allowance is meant to cover any costs related to your disability and study (e.g. books, photocopying, internet costs) not covered by the other allowances. These costs are normally reimbursed on presentation of receipts. You may also use this allowance to top up the other allowances.
  4. Travel allowance: this annual allowance can meet additional travel costs to attend Birkbeck because of your disability (e.g. taxi costs). You will not normally be eligible for help with everyday travel costs that any student would expect to have.

We have provided detailed examples of the support that can be provided for students with disabilities/specific learning difficulties.

Find out more about how to apply.

What cannot be claimed?

The DSA is an allowance purely to meet the costs of disability-related support. Costs unconnected with disability cannot be claimed from the allowance, nor can costs that you would have incurred if you were not a student (for example, you cannot claim for any medicines). Moreover, the DSA will not cover the cost of a dyslexia assessment or the cost of obtaining any other proof of disability.