A student's guide to applying for DSA and Non-Medical Help (NMH)

If you're a disabled student, or have a long-term health condition, mental health condition, or a specific learning difference (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD), you may be entitled to extra support to help you get the most from your studies. Much of this support is funded through Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA), and one of the most common forms it takes is Non-Medical Help (NMH).

This guide explains what DSA and NMH are, and walks you through applying, step by step.

What is DSA?

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) is specialist funding provided through Student Finance for "home" students. It helps cover the extra costs you may have as a direct result of a disability or condition, and can pay for:

• specialist equipment, such as a laptop or assistive technology;
• specialist software;
• Non-Medical Help (NMH) — professional support workers (see below);
• training in how to use your equipment and software.

DSA is not means-tested and does not have to be paid back. It is separate from your tuition-fee and maintenance funding.

What is Non-Medical Help (NMH)?

Non-Medical Helpers are professional support workers who help you with tasks related to your studies — not medical or personal care. Depending on your needs, NMH can include:

• Specialist Mentors — support for students with mental health conditions, helping you manage stress, workload and time, and maintain a healthy study–life balance.
• Specialist Study Skills Tutors — tailored strategies for students with a specific learning difference or condition, covering organisation, memory techniques, writing and exam preparation.
• Note-Takers — detailed, accurate notes for students who find it hard to take their own during lectures.
• BSL Interpreters and Communication Support Workers — access to lectures and academic content for students with hearing impairments, through sign language or other communication methods.
• Library and Laboratory Assistants — practical help accessing resources and taking part in lab work.

How NMH helps you

NMH is designed to remove barriers so you can take part in your course on an equal footing — whether that means managing your time, understanding complex texts, keeping up in lectures, or managing anxiety. Support is flexible and can usually be delivered in person or online, depending on your needs and preferences.

You can browse the directory to find approved NMH providers, or filter by support type.

Am I eligible?

You may be able to apply for DSA if all of the following apply:

• you're a home student eligible for Student Finance;
• you're studying an eligible course (most undergraduate and postgraduate courses qualify); and
• you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difference that affects your ability to study.

If you're not sure whether you qualify, your university's disability adviser can help you check before you apply.

How to apply — step by step

Step 1 — Gather your evidence

You'll need documentary evidence of your condition. What counts depends on the condition:

• Specific learning differences (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia): a full diagnostic assessment.
• ADHD/ADD: a diagnostic assessment, or a letter from a psychiatrist (or similar) that clearly confirms the diagnosis.
• Disabilities, long-term health or mental health conditions: a letter or report from a relevant medical professional.

Step 2 — Complete the right DSA application form

There are two versions of the DSA1 form. Which one you use depends on your circumstances:

You can usually complete the form by logging into your online Student Finance account. If that isn't possible, you can download a paper form from the UK government website (gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa).

You don't have to do this alone: you can complete the form independently, at a DSA clinic run by your university, or in a meeting with a disability adviser who can guide you through it. If you're unsure which form to use, check the UK government website or ask your adviser.

Step 3 — Submit your form and evidence

• If you have an online Student Finance account, apply that way and upload your evidence directly.
• Otherwise, email your completed form and evidence to the Student Loans Company DSA team at dsa_team@slc.co.uk. If you complete the form with a disability adviser, they can email it on your behalf.
• Exception: if you need to send proof of identity, don't email it — send it yourself by recorded delivery.

Step 4 — DSA1 letter and booking your Needs Assessment

If your application is approved, you'll receive a DSA1 letter confirming this (by email and in your Student Finance account), and an invitation to book a Needs Assessment. Book this promptly — delays here delay your support.

The Needs Assessment is a friendly meeting (usually online) with an assessor who will recommend a personalised package of support for Student Finance to fund. This might include specialist software, equipment such as a laptop, and NMH support.

Step 5 — Needs Assessment Report (NAR)

After the assessment, the assessor sends your Needs Assessment Report (NAR) to Student Finance, who process it.

Step 6 — DSA2 letter and ordering your support

Once Student Finance has your NAR, they issue a DSA2 letter setting out exactly what has been approved — software, equipment and NMH support — and who the suppliers are.

From here, it's your responsibility to start ordering the items on the letter, by calling or emailing each supplier with the reference number provided. You may also be entitled to software training, which you can arrange the same way.

Getting help

You don't have to work through this on your own. For help at any stage:

• speak to your university's disability adviser;
• attend one of your university's DSA clinics, if they run them;
• contact your university's disability or student support service; or
• see the official guidance at gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa.

Quick tips

• Apply as early as you can — ideally before your course starts. The full process (application → assessment → report → DSA2 → ordering) takes time, so an early start means support is in place sooner.
• Keep every reference number and letter — you'll need them to order equipment and contact NMH suppliers.
• Respond quickly to booking invitations and requests for information to avoid delays.
• Ask for help — your disability adviser can support you at every step, from screening to ordering your approved support.