disability student allowance - Questions re application, timescale &assessment costs

brians_daughter

Hi all, i am hoping someone can help us here please.

I have become good friends with a lady in my group who suffers from a bone condition that means she needs additional transport assistance ie taxis for the short 1 mile journey from train station, needs someone to help her carry library books, and usually has to get copies of my notes as she cant write for 2 hours at a time like we are often expected to.

I saw a leaflet for disabled student allowance and picked it up for her. Shes filled the forms and posted them off. She was told at the point of her application that she will need to attend a 'needs assessment' day so they can pin point what help she needs.

She has spoken yesterday to someone who co-ordinates the tests (within our uni, not from student finance) to see what the next step would be now she has posted her forms off.. and he said if her application was successful and signed off by student finance she will need to pay for a test (out of her own money) and the average cost is £500

Obviously she has tried to call him back to double check she hear correctly but he has a vm stating he is off now for over a week.

She isnt a MSE member so cant ask directly so can anyone tell us...

1. How long after posting her forms and evidence off to student finance she can expect a decision if she is going to in a position to qualify for DSA

2. Is the cost really £500? I know all teams will have different costs, but it does seem excessive

3. Does she get the £500 refunded from Student finance?

I feel quite bad TBH, i thought i was helping her by picking up the info abut now she is quite concerned that she needs to find £500 and attend assessment days. Ironically i really should apply for this myself, but i really dont like the term 'disabled' so i have avoided it like the plague

TIA guys - sorry for typos but in a rush!

MrsManda

She won't need to pay anything for a needs assessment.
What usually happens is you fill out the application and provide evidence of the condition (letter from doctors, therapists etc...). The LEA decides if you're eligible for DSA. If you are, you get a confirmation letter and usually a list o a couple of places where you can have the needs assessment. The needs assessment is paid for by the DSA awarding body (usually the LEA).

Not sure how long it takes on average to get the initial reply from the LEA. In my case it was about a month from posting the application to having my assessment.

Just had another look on the DSA website
and I think what the person at her uni was possibly talking about was the evidence required:
'

Getting proof of your disability or specific learning difficulty

To apply, you will have to show evidence of your disability.
If you have an impairment, medical condition, illness or a mental health condition, you will need to provide medical proof of this - for example, a letter from an appropriate medical professional.
If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you must provide evidence in the form of a 'diagnostic assessment' from a psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher. If you have had a diagnostic assessment in the past, it may need to be updated.
You will have to pay for any tests to establish your eligibility for Disabled Students' Allowances. If you need a test but cannot afford to pay for it, you may be able to get financial help through your university or college's Access to Learning Fund.

student_advisor

Your friend should only need medical evidence such as a doctor's or specialist's letter.

The test referred to by the person as uni is the educational psychological assessment which would be needed for specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia) only.

There is no cost for a needs assessment as this is paid for as part of the DSA award.

bitsandpieces

It's possible your friend will need to pay for a doctor's letter if evidence is requested - some GPs charge. You're talking maybe £20 for that, though - a lot less daunting than £500 :eek:

brians_daughter

oh thanks for the info. She was quite worried about it! I will text her now and let her know. Its all new to her and was put off initially as she thought it would be complex. But this sounds very straight forward.

Thanks again