*NOTE - The DSA Computer Equipment Fund will open for the 23/24 academic year in early October 2023. This page and the criteria will continue to be updated until the fund opens.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. Please find full information about the Disabled Students’ Allowance here.
Once your eligibility for DSA is confirmed, Student Finance England may ask you to contact an assesement centre to work out what help you need. This grant is for students who have already had this DSA assessment. Following your DSA assessment, you will receive a DSA2 Letter of Entitlement which should include recommendation of a laptop/computer or other equipment.
During your time at the University of Hertfordshire, you can only receive an award from the fund once.
Please note, this fund has a limited budget. Once funds have been exhausted, the fund may be closed outside of the dates stated below, without advanced warning. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply early, as funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Eligibility
You must be a current student at the University of Hertfordshire. Your DSA2 Letter of Entitlement should include recommendation of a computer/laptop or equipment. Full eligibility for the fund is outlined in the DSA Computer Equipment Grant criteria.
If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact the Student Funding and Financial Support Team at financial-support@herts.ac.uk.
How to apply
To apply please register online via www.Blackbullion.com with your University of Hertfordshire student email address. Blackbullion is a financial wellbeing platform which can be used to develop learning of financial topics such as budgeting and investing.
Should you require any assistance with your application, the Student Funding and Financial Support (SFFS) team offer one-to-one drop -in sessions. Please email the team for further information.
Evidence
The only evidence required is your DSA2 Letter of Entitlement which should include recommendation of a computer/laptop or equipment.
Dates and Deadlines
Below are the fund opening dates, however the fund can close at any time and will not reopen, regardless of dates, once the budget is exhausted.
Monday 9th October 2023 – Friday 15th December 2023
Monday 15th January 2024 – Friday 22nd March 2024
Monday 15th April 2024 – Friday 10th May 2024
Timeline
It may take up to 4 working weeks for the assessment to be carried out after you have submitted all your evidence.
Receiving an award
If your application is successful, you will receive a £200 non-repayable award. Balance will be paid by BACS into your nominated bank account. It is your responsibility to keep your bank information up to date and correct. If they are not, you may have to wait longer to receive your award. If you are unsure whether the University has your correct bank details, you should check your student record or contact Place2Pay at payus@herts.ac.uk.