Just 29% of students in England with disabilities receiving DSA allowance – analysis

Students complain of bureaucracy and delays when applying for disabled students' allowance

Support for students with disabilities should be improved, the government has been urged, after analysis showed that fewer than a third receive the disabled students' allowance (DSA) meant to help them access and thrive in higher education.

According to a report, just 29% of students in England and Wales with a known disability received the allowance in 2019/20 while those who have been through the application process complained of bureaucracy, long delays, inconsistent quality of support and a lack of communication.