Certainly, here is a comprehensive and professional article on the Disability Support Allowance provided by Student Finance England:

Disability Support Allowance (DSA) is a financial support provided by Student Finance England to help disabled students meet the extra costs of studying. The support is available to full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who have a disability, a mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

To be eligible for DSA, the student must have a disability that affects their ability to study or attend university, or a long-term health condition or mental health condition that lasts for at least 12 months. The student must also be enrolled on a course that is eligible for student finance and be studying at least 25% of the full-time course load.

The Disability Support Allowance is not means-tested, so it is available to all eligible students, regardless of their income. However, the amount of support provided will depend on the individual needs of the student and the type of course they are studying.

There are three types of support available through DSA:

Specialist equipment: This includes equipment such as computers, assistive technology, and software that is necessary for the student to complete their studies. The equipment is provided on loan, and the student is responsible for returning it at the end of their course.

Non-medical helpers: This includes the cost of a support worker or a specialist tutor to assist the student in their studies. The cost of hiring non-medical helpers will be paid directly by DSA to the provider.

Extra travel costs: DSA can provide additional funding to cover the cost of travel if the student needs to attend lectures or other study-related activities that are not covered by the standard public transport routes.

The amount of support provided through DSA will depend on the individual needs of the student. To apply for DSA, the student needs to fill out an application form and provide evidence of their disability or health condition. They will also need to attend a Needs Assessment, which is conducted by an independent assessor. The assessor will discuss the student's individual needs and recommend the appropriate support.

In summary, Disability Support Allowance is a valuable financial support available to disabled students to help them meet the extra costs of studying. It provides support for specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, and extra travel costs. To be eligible, the student must have a disability or long-term health condition, be enrolled on an eligible course, and be studying at least 25% of the full-time course load. The amount of support provided will depend on the individual needs of the student and the type of course they are studying.

It's important to note that DSA is only available for students studying in England. Students in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland should check with their respective student finance bodies for information on disability support.

If you have any questions or need further information on DSA, you can contact Student Finance England or visit their website.

Useful links:

https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/financial-support-for-disabled-students/

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-register-login