Just saw a message from last week's dis-forum about DSAs for students
receiving NHS bursaries which needs a bit of clarification. On 20th October,
St John Skeates wrote:
Had a quick look at the regs and
Part IV - Grants for Living Costs (which is where DSA is covered) states
that:
"An eligible student shall not be eligible for a grant for living costs...in
respect of an academic year...during which he is eligible to recieve any
payment under a bursary...bestowed on him under section 63 of the Health
Services and Public Health Act 1968 the amount of which is calculated by
reference to his income..."
OK - work your way through the jargon and it would appear that if your
student is getting a means-tested NHS bursary then they are not eligible for
a DSA.
There seems to be a bit of confusion here. Students in reciept of NHS
bursaries claim DSAs from the NHS Student Grants Unit, not from their LEA.
There are basically two types of NHS bursary.
1. A means-tested bursary - students in receipt of this type of bursary can
claim a DSA from the NHS
2. Non-means tested bursary - this is usually paid to students on nursing
and midwifery diploma courses. Students receiving this type of bursary are
NOT eligible for a DSA.
The booklet "Financial Help for Health Care Students" gives more information
about NHS Bursaries and other allowances including DSAs and is available
from the Department of Health.
Hope that makes things a bit clearer.
Claire Butler
Claire Butler
Information and Research Worker
Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane
London, SE1 3JW
Tel: 0800 328 5050
Fax: [log in to unmask]
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