DSA - Mental Health

Hi!

So my mental health has been struggling with over the last 8 years and over that time I've received many different diagnoses.
I'm thinking about applying for DSA because money is really tight this year due to some family stuff, but I'm not sure.
Am I eligible?
What support can I get?

Also I'm unsure about how or when to apply. I'm actually currently studying in a different country so it's not easy for me to be sending out post and also hard for me to get a doctor back at home to help with evidence. Could I get my doctor here to provide proof?

Thanks

Reply 1

Tiger Rag

22

DSA isn't given in the form of money. You may get things like a study mentor, note taker, exam arrangements and equipment to help you. DSA will only pay extra costs you have as a disabled student and not costs you have a student or disability costs you'd have if you weren't a student. (such as medication)

To claim DSA, you must have a long term medical condition / disability which affects your ability to study.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 2

beautifulbigmacs

19

Possibly pip or esa may be an option.

Reply 3

Pathway

20

Original post by unsurewhattodo

Hi!

So my mental health has been struggling with over the last 8 years and over that time I've received many different diagnoses.
I'm thinking about applying for DSA because money is really tight this year due to some family stuff, but I'm not sure.
Am I eligible?
What support can I get?

Also I'm unsure about how or when to apply. I'm actually currently studying in a different country so it's not easy for me to be sending out post and also hard for me to get a doctor back at home to help with evidence. Could I get my doctor here to provide proof?

Thanks

First, make sure you're eligible. (Go here and see if you fit this criteria.) And with DSA you don't (necessarily) get straight up money either (some students do get special allowances, though, but it's for specific things like printing costs or travel allowances - this does require receipts!), you're more likely to get equipment (e.g. dictaphones) or non-medical helpers (NMHs; note takers, practical assisstants, specialist MH mentors, etc.).

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 4

Tiger Rag

22

With the printing allowances, etc. you have to buy the items, send off the receipts and they'll give you back the money.

Reply 5

Pathway

20

Original post by Tiger Rag

With the printing allowances, etc. you have to buy the items, send off the receipts and they'll give you back the money.

Yep, forgot to mention that!

Reply 6

unsurewhattodo

OP

1

Original post by Pathway

Yep, forgot to mention that!

Original post by Tiger Rag

With the printing allowances, etc. you have to buy the items, send off the receipts and they'll give you back the money.

I'm definitely eligible in terms of what's in the DSAs website, sorry I think this whole original post was badly phrased.
I guess I'm just not sure if I should because I don't know exactly how DSA might help me or specifically what kinds of things it would give me access to if that makes more sense?

Reply 7

Tiger Rag

22

Original post by unsurewhattodo

I'm definitely eligible in terms of what's in the DSAs website, sorry I think this whole original post was badly phrased.
I guess I'm just not sure if I should because I don't know exactly how DSA might help me or specifically what kinds of things it would give me access to if that makes more sense?

Your assessment will work out what you're entitled to.

Reply 8

unsurewhattodo

OP

1

Original post by Tiger Rag

Your assessment will work out what you're entitled to.

I'm trying to work out if it's worth it because everything is so bad at the moment that breathing is a chore and attempting to find the energy for the application is a huge struggle

Reply 9

Jackieox

19

Original post by unsurewhattodo

I'm trying to work out if it's worth it because everything is so bad at the moment that breathing is a chore and attempting to find the energy for the application is a huge struggle

You don't get any money but you could get things like a Laptop (Have to pay the first 200), A notetaker, A livescribe pen, A Dictaphone, Software, stuff like that =) x

DSA - Mental Health

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