Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) for UK and Irish students
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) will cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness, specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, neurodiversity, or any other disability. Unlike other Student Loans, this is not means-tested and does not need to be repaid.
You may receive this on its own or in addition to any other student finance you get.
The type of support you’ll receive depends on your individual needs - not your household income.
What DSA can pay for
You can get help with the costs of:
- specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability
- non-medical helpers, for example a specialist mentor, study skills tutor, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker
- a travel allowance to attend your course or placement because of your disability
- other disability-related study support, for example having to print additional copies of documents for proof-reading
DSA does not cover disability-related costs you’d have if you were not attending a course (for example personal or social care), or costs that any student might have.
At LJMU we have a Money Advice Team who can talk to you about managing your money. Students who are facing financial hardship can apply for the Student Support Fund.
For further information about DSA and if you’re eligible please see guidance from your funding provider:
If you’re unsure or have any questions, please contact the Disability Advice Team for further assistance.
Application process
- Apply for DSA
- DSA Assess Evidence
- Attend Study Needs Assessment
- Needs Assessment Report issued
- DS2 Issued
- Meet with LJMU Disability Adviser
Applying for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) can take up to 14 weeks, so please apply as early as possible. You don’t need to have started your course to apply for the DSA; you don’t even need to have a confirmed place at university. You can apply as soon as your funding provider’s applications open (usually in February or March).
Non-standard courses and non-UK students
Students who are on non-standard courses or are not from the UK can access specialist support including assistive software and one to one support.
If you can provide sufficient evidence of your disability, LJMU can arrange a Study Needs Assessment for you to discuss what support will best meet the difficulties you have whilst studying due to your disability.
You will also have an Individual Learning Plan (ISLP) in place following your Study Needs Assessment.
Please contact the Disability Advice Team for further information about being referred for a Study Needs Assessment.
Non-standard courses include:
- Degree Apprenticeships
- CPD course that are at least 12 months
- Police Now
Individual Student Learning Plan (ISLP)
An Individual Student Learning Plan (ISLP) sets out the type of support you may need and who is responsible for ensuring your support is in place. It also lists any reasonable adjustments that have been recommended, providing some guidance for tutors on how best to support you with your studies.
After attending a Study Needs Assessment you will be invited book an appointment with an LJMU Disability Adviser who will create your ISLP, using information from your Needs Assessment report and conversations with yourself.
You will be asked to proofread your ISLP to ensure you agree with the contents and to provide consent to share it with the Disability Coordinator (DisCo) for your course. Once consent is given your ISLP will be shared with the DisCo who can then ensure relevant academic staff are aware you have an ISLP in place.
Disability Coordinators
Every programme of study within the University has its own Disability Co-ordinator (DisCo). Your DisCo is usually an academic member of staff, who can offer support and advice and point you in the right direction to get the necessary support for you on your course.
The DisCo link in with the LJMU Disability Team and together, they can advise on support and reasonable adjustments that are available within the academic environment.
Exam provisions
You can complete the Additional Exam Provisions form within the My LJMU app either on your phone or on My Services.
You will need to upload some supporting evidence. This can be an Individual Learning Support (ISLP) plan if you have one, a diagnostic report or confirmation of diagnosis from a GP or medical professional.
If you received exam support in school or college but do not have any supporting evidence, please contact the Disability Advice team.
Please note:
For current students Exam Support is arranged by the Admin Team for each course, if you have any questions regarding current exam support please contact your school office for an update.
Assignment and coursework support
Academic Achievement Team
The Academic Achievement Team is here to offer advice on studying at university, as well as how to write great assignments and do your best in assessments. They offer classes, drop-ins, appointments and self-study resources.
Specialist Study Skills
The Specialist Study Skills team works individually with students with disabilities, long term mental health conditions and neurodivergent students. The main focus is on time management, organising study routines, understanding assignments and overcoming any academic barriers to learning.
You can book an appointment through the myLJMU app on your phone or online. Select Student Advice and Wellbeing, change appointment type to specialist study skills and change the timeframe to 14 days. Appointments are with Laura Dolan or Sara Mursic, our specialist study skills tutors.
Contact us: studyguidance@ljmu.ac.uk
Technology and specialist software
Along with accessibility features available within Microsoft apps such as Dictate and Read Aloud, LJMU has a number of specialist software applications that students can access to help with your studies including Mind Mapping, recording and screen colour tinting to name a few.
You can access further information about the accessible systems and software available from LJMU.
You can also contact the IT Team for help with installation or instruction on how to use the software. Further information and contact detail can be found on the Library pages.
Wellbeing and mental health support
Student Wellbeing Advisors are here to help you with any issues you are having at University that are affecting your wellbeing and/or your mental health.
You can come in and speak to a Wellbeing adviser during their drop-in open times in the Student Life Building, every weekday between 10am and 4pm.
Alternatively, you can email studentwellbeing@ljmu.ac.uk or call 0151 231 3664.
You can also book a 1:1 appointment with an adviser via the MyLJMU app. Click on Student Advice and Wellbeing and change the appointment type to Student Wellbeing and change the time frame to 14 days.
SpLD testing
The Disability Advice Team can refer students for a SpLD Diagnostic assessment, which can test for Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia.
You will need to contribute £159 towards the cost of your assessment, LJMU will fund the rest. However, if you have difficulties paying your contribution, you can apply for help from the Student Support Fund (unless you are on a degree apprenticeship or and international student).
Before we can refer you for an assessment, you will need to complete a pre assessment questionnaire and a Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) application form.
Please contact the Disability Advice Team for further information about the referral process and to receive the Pre Assessment Questionnaire.
Please note:
We cannot refer student for assessments relating to ADHD or ASC, we would encourage you to speak to your GP about these conditions.
Parking and access
Discover how we ensure Accessibility around LJMU for every visitor.
Parking permits may be issued to enrolled students with Blue Badges, however, please note that there is limited disabled parking on site. If you require additional support for parking, please call 0151 231 5090.
If you're heading to Mount Pleasant Campus, consider parking at Mount Pleasant or Brownlow Hill.
For City Campus, look for car parks at Pall Mall, Moorfields, or Fontenoy Street.
Accommodation
If you need to make adaptations to accommodation, please contact the Accommodation Office:
