Student Finance England (SFE) will be responsible for processing all Part-Time Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) applications for Open University students starting their course on or after 1 September 2012.
From spring 2014 new Part-Time Open University students applying for academic year 14/15 will apply to SFE for their DSA.
These changes only relate to students applying for support from Student Finance England and do not affect the arrangements in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales.
Students applying for DSA support for academic year 13/14 should apply to the Open University as usual. They can do this by phoning 01908 654136 or emailing
The Open University will continue to process applications for DSA support for students who started study prior to 1st September 2012.
What Happens Next?
Students don't need to do anything yet. SFE will work with the Open University during 2014/15 to transfer students who started their course in academic year 12/13 or 13/14.
A separate communication will be issued to students in due course. There is currently no need to inform students of this change. Students should continue to contact and apply to the Open University regarding their current or 13/14 application.