Student Finance Disability Claim Form: A Guide

If you’re a student with a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty, you may be eligible for additional financial support from Student Finance. To access this support, you’ll typically need to complete a Disability Evidence Form, often referred to as a Disability Claim Form.

What is the Disability Evidence Form?

This form allows you to provide official documentation and information about your disability and its impact on your studies. It’s crucial for Student Finance to accurately assess your needs and determine the level of Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) you are entitled to.

Who Needs to Complete the Form?

The student typically begins the process, providing their personal details and the details of their course. However, the form often requires a professional to complete a portion of it. This professional could be a doctor, specialist teacher, educational psychologist, or another qualified professional who can confirm your disability and its impact.

What Information is Required?

The form usually requests the following information:

• Personal Details: Your name, address, student finance reference number, and course details.
• Details of Disability: A clear description of your disability, health condition, or learning difficulty.
• Impact on Studies: A detailed explanation of how your disability affects your ability to study, including specific challenges you face in areas such as attending lectures, completing coursework, or taking exams.
• Evidence of Disability: Official documentation that confirms your disability, such as a diagnostic report, medical letter, or educational psychologist’s report. The specific documents required can vary depending on the nature of your disability.
• Professional Statement: A statement from a qualified professional (as mentioned above) confirming your disability and its impact on your studies. This section often requires the professional to provide their credentials and contact information.

Tips for Completing the Form:

• Be Thorough and Accurate: Provide as much detail as possible and ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Provide Supporting Evidence: Gather all relevant documentation to support your claim. The more evidence you provide, the stronger your application will be.
• Work with a Professional: Collaborate with a qualified professional to complete the relevant sections of the form. Their expertise and insight are crucial for accurately portraying the impact of your disability.
• Keep a Copy: Before submitting the form, make a copy for your records.
• Submit on Time: Be aware of the deadlines for submitting the form to avoid delays in receiving your funding.

Where to Find the Form:

You can usually download the Disability Evidence Form from the Student Finance website relevant to your region (Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Awards Agency Scotland, or Student Finance Northern Ireland). Look for sections related to Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) or additional support.

After Submission:

After submitting the form, Student Finance will review your application and may contact you for further information or clarification. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter outlining the DSA support you are eligible for. This support can cover costs such as specialist equipment, non-medical helpers (e.g., a note-taker or mentor), and travel expenses related to your disability.

Completing the Disability Evidence Form can seem daunting, but it is a crucial step in accessing the financial support you need to succeed in your studies. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from your university’s disability services or a qualified professional to help you navigate the process.