DSA (help)

big_Daddy_Dave

I was on the phone with student finance and they said my student loan application still hasnt been decided as Ive had to send in the same evidence a few times, but during this call the chap said my DSA application was approved.

I forgot to ask, and the calls arent cheap, Im wondering, I havent had the assessment done, do I still need to do this? I start on the 3rd of October so I really need all this sorted ASAP, Im not even sure the student loan app will be complete by then, last week they told me theyre looking at evidence from the end of Auust, mine was received 8th September.

any help will be good, thanks

Taiko

If you've been approved for DSA, you then need to make an appointment at a needs assessment centre. Approach your disability office for help in this.

yenool

Taiko wrote: »

If you've been approved for DSA, you then need to make an appointment at a needs assessment centre. Approach your disability office for help in this.

^^ that.
First you apply to SFE with evidence and then book the assessment with a centre. After the assessment the centre writes and sends the report to SFE with recommendations for support, funding or equipment. SFE then have to approve the report before you can arrange delivery of whatever items you are getting. So, unforunately you wont get your DSA equipment or money before the start of term now.

I had my DSA assessment nearly a month ago and they still haven't sent the report off to student finance! I'm told that once SFE have the report it can take around 3 weeks to get it approved and then maybe another couple of weeks ro arrange delivery of the stuff with the supplier.

To be honest if you are only at the stage of booking the assessment now, you would be doing well to get an equipment before the Xmas break. However, you can probably get any recommended support put into place quicker than that.

big_Daddy_Dave

oh wow, didnt know itd be that long, but its good to get information on it as I know nothing

thanks alot

devildog

The process can work faster, I guess it may be luck of the draw and how busy/quick your local centre is. From start to finish(including receiving equipment) took less than 5 weeks for us.

Taiko

I just had someone get the full process dealt with within 4 weeks, and that was in the peak period.

yenool

Taiko wrote: »

I just had someone get the full process dealt with within 4 weeks, and that was in the peak period.

How did they manage that?

Taiko

Secret stuff.

But in honesty, they managed to get a needs assessment within the week. I knew the assessors at the centre from my time assessing DSA entitlement, so they got the report over to SFE a bit faster. Then called in a favour for them with the DSA team up in Darlington.

From what I can gather though, they are able to process them much quicker at the moment than they have in the past.

big_Daddy_Dave

i forgot to ask, i made a claim for something i bought myself to help with studies, will that take the same time as getting the needs assessment and report? Im not even in a rush, as long as it gets done in the end

big_Daddy_Dave

oh yeah, again, thanks for the help

Taiko

Should be if SFE agree it.