The two evidence routes
For DSA you need written proof of your condition: a doctor's letter or the Disability Evidence Form for most conditions, or a post-16 diagnostic assessment for a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia. Disabled Students' Allowance is not automatic. Student Finance England will not move your claim forward until you upload proof that you have a diagnosed or formally assessed disability, and which document counts depends entirely on what the condition is.
- Mental-health condition, long-term illness, autism, ADHD or a physical disability: a copy of a letter or report from your doctor or consultant. If you do not already have one, a medical professional can instead complete Student Finance England's Disability Evidence Form.
- A specific learning difficulty (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia): a copy of a diagnostic assessment carried out by a practitioner psychologist or a suitably qualified specialist teacher. The Disability Evidence Form cannot be used to confirm a learning difficulty.
The post-16 rule that catches people out
For a specific learning difficulty the diagnostic assessment usually has to have been done at age 16 or over. A report from primary or secondary school is often not accepted, because the assessment used for DSA has to reflect how the difficulty affects you as an adult learner. If your only assessment is a childhood one, you will normally need a fresh post-16 assessment before you apply.
DSA also needs an actual diagnosis, not a suspicion. Where one is still pending, for example on a long NHS wait for ADHD or autism or through a Right to Choose referral, the diagnosis (or a clinician's letter confirming it) has to come first. DSA cannot be unlocked on the strength of being on a waiting list, so if this is you, sort the diagnosis question first.
Evidence comes before the needs assessment
Students often confuse two separate stages. The evidence above proves your condition and comes first. Only once Student Finance England has accepted it does a supplier arrange a study needs assessment, which is an informal meeting, not a test, that recommends the equipment, software and support your single combined allowance of up to £27,783 for 2025/26 and 2026/27 can fund. Do not buy any equipment before that assessment.
You submit your evidence to Student Finance England through your online account, by post, or by email to dsa_medical_evidence@slc.co.uk, as part of your DSA application. For the wider picture of what the grant is and who can claim, see what Disabled Students' Allowance is.
Where the law comes from
Related
This page is general information, not clinical or legal advice.