Frequently Asked Questions about Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and Non-Medical Help (NMH)

Q: What is Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)? 

DSA is a financial grant to help students with expenses related to their studies because of a disability, mental health issue, or long-term illness. It doesn’t consider your income, doesn’t need to be paid back, and offers support that goes beyond regular student loans. For more eligibility details, visit https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa.

Q: What is Non-Medical Help (NMH) support?

NMH includes support services from people like mentors, tutors, or trainers who help you with your studies alongside other students.

Q: Am I eligible for DSA-funded NMH support? 

To get DSA-funded NMH support, you must be a UK student eligible for student finance and have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010. This Student Loan Company or other funding bodies check this eligibility.

Q: What is the difference between NMH support and reasonable adjustments from my university? 

Universities must make reasonable adjustments due to the Equality Act 2010. NMH provides additional support beyond these adjustments, including special mentoring or tutoring.

Q: How do I apply for DSA and set up NMH support? 

Apply for DSA through your student finance body (like Student Finance England) and provide proof of your disability. After your application is approved, you’ll have a needs assessment to find out what support you need. The assessor will give a report recommending support and suggesting registered providers. You then contact the provider to arrange your sessions.

Q: How long does the DSA approval process take?

It can take up to 14 weeks to review your application, but you might get a response in about 4 weeks.

Q: How do I set up my NMH support? 

Once your application is approved, you’ll get a letter with details of approved NMH providers. You can then contact them to schedule your sessions.

Q: Where do sessions take place? 

Sessions are usually on campus during regular hours or online via platforms like Teams or Zoom.

Q: What types of NMH support are available?

We provide various one-on-one support services, including:

• Specialist Study Skills Support
• Specialist Mentoring
• Assistive Technology Training

Q: What can I expect from my NMH support worker?

Your support worker will help you identify learning challenges and find ways to overcome them, enabling you to learn independently. Sessions will be professional, confidential, and tailored to your individual needs.

Q: What tasks are outside the scope of NMH support? 

NMH workers cannot:

• Tutor you in specific subjects
• Do your classwork or assignments
• Proofread or edit your work
• Participate in class discussions on your behalf

These tasks are the responsibility of your university under the Equality Act.

Q: What are my responsibilities as a student receiving NMH? 

Keep your support worker updated with your schedule, give at least 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations, and sign session timesheets promptly.

Q: What should I do if I need to cancel a session? 

If you need to cancel, please try to give at least 24 hours’ notice. Keep in mind that funding bodies may limit the number of cancellations allowed each term.

Q: Can I choose my own NMH support worker? 

You can be involved in selecting your support. Providers usually have a way for you to request a different worker if needed.

Q: Can I change my NMH provider or support worker? 

Yes, you can ask for a change if needed. If you have concerns, speak with the provider or contact your needs assessor for advice.