Next steps after completing DSA application: Wales Applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA): Wales
After receiving your Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) application, Student Finance Wales will contact you to confirm whether you’re eligible. If you are eligible, you'll be asked 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 asked to book your needs assessment at an assessment centre. Don’t book an assessment until you have confirmation from Student Finance Wales to go ahead. The assessment fee is covered by your DSA, so you don’t have to pay for it.
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.
If you agree with the recommendation, sign and return the report to Student Finance Wales. Within 14 days of sending the signed report you’ll receive a letter of entitlement listing the support and equipment that has been approved for you.
Receiving the agreed DSA support
Your letter of entitlement will explain how the funds you’ve been allocated will be paid. Follow the instructions in the letter to contact suppliers to put in place your support and equipment.
If you’re not eligible for or have reached the maximum of your DSA
You can contact us at wales-support@open.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)29 2047 1170 (08:30-17:30 Mon to Fri, except Bank Holidays) to discuss options for other sources of funding and support.
Other sources of funding
Alternative funding, separate from the Open University (OU) and DSA, might be available, for example:
