DLA University and DSA

Dear All,

I am at university and get DLA,I have just been diagnosed with a SPld learning difficulty at University ie Dyslexia/Dyspraxia.
I have been advised to put in an application for Disabled Students Allowance to get help with equipment such as a special equipment etc.However on the form it asks do I get help wth mobility from DLA,which I am.
I am worried if I tick this or put in the application then my DLA will/may be reasessd as a result.
I am considering not putting in the application or not ticking the question.
I am not declaring my disability on the the DSA form or to university as it is of a sensitive nature and I have faced discrimination over this in the past. Also I feel it would be irrelevant in the help or support I need for Dyslexia/Dyspraxia.
What do you think,would my DLA get looked at as a result of a DSA application for SPld do you think?
Could I just not tick the box?

Thank-you for any advice

marie wrote: Dear All,

I am at university and get DLA,I have just been diagnosed with a SPld learning difficulty at University ie Dyslexia/Dyspraxia.
I have been advised to put in an application for Disabled Students Allowance to get help with equipment such as a special equipment etc.However on the form it asks do I get help wth mobility from DLA,which I am.
I am worried if I tick this or put in the application then my DLA will/may be reasessd as a result.
I am considering not putting in the application or not ticking the question.
I am not declaring my disability on the the DSA form or to university as it is of a sensitive nature and I have faced discrimination over this in the past. Also I feel it would be irrelevant in the help or support I need for Dyslexia/Dyspraxia.
What do you think,would my DLA get looked at as a result of a DSA application for SPld do you think?
Could I just not tick the box?

Thank-you for any advice

Hi M,

DLA Mobility Component is paid specifically for everyday extra costs incurred in getting around due to the limitations caused by your medical condition/disability.

Disabled Students Allowance is a grant for additional "study costs" you face as a result of your disability.

DSA's don’t cover disability-related costs you’d have if you weren’t attending a course, or costs that any student might have.

Therefore, unless there has been a change/improvement to the limitations that gave you your DLA award as a result of this new medical diagnosis, you should not have to report a Change of Circumstances regarding this, to DLA.

Both DLA and DSA are non-maens tested, and you can receive both.

If you don't wish to discuss this face to face with a Disability Adviser at your University, there are external sources that you can contact, as mentioned near the bottom of :

This DR UK Factsheet.

See also :

www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas/overview

There is a link to Disabled Student's Forum below, which you may find supportive :

www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=277

If you still have any doubts, please seek further advice.

bro58

Dear Bro58,

Thank-you for your reply and links which I will follow up.

I know the two DLA and DSA are awards for different reasons but was worried because it asks if you recieve DLA mobility on the DSA form (for the SPld).

I thought because of this it may cause my award to be looked at again even if there has been no change in circumstance,though I am aware you can receive both at the same time.

Thank-you

Hi Marie,

I don't think the DSA is even administered by DWP, I can see no circumstance where anything you put on the form would trigger a reassessment of your DLA.

DSA here in Scotland is via student funding (SAAS). So would assume be the same in England+Wales.

I get the DSA and everything was dealt with for me. Think here in Scotland the DSA set up a lot better. Like many things!

Indeed I would suggest your DSA could help future PIP claims! More evidence to support your needs...

Yep, DSA is administered via SAAS, SFE, StudentFinance NI depending on where you live, not DWP. The assessment process is tedious, but has no relevance to DLA.