Next steps after completing DSA application: Scotland Applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA): Scotland
After receiving your application, Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) will contact you to confirm whether you’re eligible. If this is your first time applying and you meet the initial eligibility criteria, you’ll be contacted by an assessment centre to book a needs assessment.
Needs assessment for DSA application
A needs assessment is not a test or an assessment of your disability. It is a collaborative meeting between you and a study needs assessor to discuss your specific study support needs.
You’ll be contacted by an assessment centre to book your needs assessment. The assessment fee is covered by your Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), so you don’t have to pay for it. You may have to pay for travel to and from the assessment venue.
After you’ve had your needs assessment, you’ll receive a report with recommendations for your support. Ask the assessor how long it will take to receive the report, so you know when to expect it.
SAAS will send you an award letter listing the support and equipment that has been approved for you.
SAAS don't send us a copy of your award letter, so we would recommend you send us a copy. This is so we know you've been awarded DSA and means we can assist in putting some of the support in place. You can email a copy of the award letter to us at scotland-support@open.ac.uk. Please put your Open University (OU) Personal Identifier number in the subject box of your message.
Receiving the agreed DSA support
Your award letter will explain how the funds you’ve been given will be paid. This will either be directly into your bank account or to the organisation supplying the service or equipment. Follow the instructions in the letter to contact suppliers to put in place your support and equipment.
If you have been awarded non-medical personal help, we can assist in getting this organised for you. Contact us on +44 (0)131 226 3851 (08.30 - 17.00 Mon to Fri) or email us at scotland-support@open.ac.uk. Please attach a copy of your award letter to your email and put your OU Personal Identifier number in the subject box of your message.
If you’re not eligible for or have reached the maximum of your DSA.
You can contact us to discuss options for other sources of funding and support. You can call us on +44 (0)131 226 3851 (08.30 - 17.00 Mon to Fri, except bank holidays) or email us at scotland-support@open.ac.uk, putting your OU Personal Identifier number in the subject box of your message.
Other sources of funding
Alternative funding, separate from the OU and DSA, might be available, for example:
