Starting your DSA application: Scotland Applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA): Scotland
How and where you apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is different depending on where you live in the UK. The following information is for students living in Scotland applying for DSA through the Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
As an Open University (OU) student you'll need to apply for DSA each year you study. What sections of the form you need to complete depends on whether this is your first time applying or you have applied before.
DSA is not available to apprenticeship learners. You may be eligible for Access to Work which you can discuss with your apprenticeship employer.
Timescales for applying for DSA
DSA can be applied for from April for the next academic year starting in August. The deadline date for your application to be completed and processed by SAAS is 31 March of the following year.
If this is the first time you’re applying for DSA, it can take up to three months to complete the full process from application to receiving your support. So to have the support in place for when you start studying, we recommend you apply for DSA as early as possible, or at least three months before your module starts.
Eligibility for DSA
You can apply for DSA if your condition or impairment affects your ability to study, such as:
- a long-term health condition such as cancer, HIV or chronic heart disease
- a learning difficulty like dyslexia, ADHD or dyspraxia
- a physical disability such as being partially sighted, blind or using crutches
- a mental health condition, for example, depression or anxiety.
You'll also need to:
- be studying a minimum of 60 credits per year
- be studying towards a qualification of at least 120 credits that involves at least two years of study
- meet the residency criteria as outlined by SAAS
- provide evidence of a disability or specific learning difficulty.
The list above is not exhaustive, so if you’re unsure and want to check your eligibility you can contact SAAS on +44 (0)300 555 0505.
You can also contact 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 of your message.
Be prepared to provide evidence with your application
If you’re applying for DSA for the first time, you’ll be asked for evidence for some of the information you provide. The application form will explain what evidence is required and whether it needs to be the original document or a copy. If you have applied for DSA before you will only need to provide evidence if your needs have changed.
You can get evidence to confirm your disability or health condition from your GP or medical professional. If they’re unsure what to provide, ask them to complete the Medical Evidence Proforma.
To confirm a specific learning difficulty, you’ll need a diagnostic assessment report. If you need to organise a diagnostic assessment, see Paying for a diagnostic assessment in Scotland.
Where to apply for DSA
The DSA application process is handled by SAAS. For an overview of the process see Disabled Students’ Allowance on the SAAS website.
