Travel support through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA): What’s changed and what you need to do
From 1 September 2025, the rules for getting travel costs funded through DSA have been updated. These changes explain clearly when taxi or other travel support can be awarded, and what evidence you need.
If you already have a travel arrangement in place, it won’t be reassessed unless your circumstances change.
This guide explains the new rules and how to make sure your DSA application includes the information needed to support your request for travel funding.
When DSA can pay for travel costs
DSA can fund travel costs (such as taxis) only if you provide specific medical evidence showing your disability makes it difficult or unsafe to:
- Use public transport, and/or
- Walk to campus (if your journey is under 3 miles)
Key rules you should know
1. Travel under 3 miles is not normally funded, unless medical evidence confirms that:
- You cannot walk that distance because of your disability, or
- There is no safe walking route
2. Travel is not normally funded if the journey by public transport would take more than 75 minutes.
3. Students with a Motability car are usually not eligible for DSA travel support.
4. Decisions must be based on clear medical evidence
- Your evidence must clearly explain how your condition affects your mobility or ability to travel, not just your diagnosis
A letter you can give to your GP
To help you get the right medical evidence, you can give your GP or medical professional a short letter explaining exactly what information the DSA needs. This helps them complete the DSA Evidence Form using the correct level of detail.
Download the “Information for Medical Professional” letter here:
You should send or take this letter to your GP along with your DSA Evidence Form.
Where you can read the updated guidance
You can read the official travel guidance, with examples of what kinds of travel requests can be funded by DSA, and the types that cannot, here:
https://www.practitioners.slc.co.uk/media/2125/travel-guidance-final-draft.pdf
Useful links
Disabled Students Allowance
Student Finance England
Office for Students
Office of the Independent Adjudicator
The Snowdon Trust works with a panel of experienced practitioners across disability specific support, student funding, benefits systems such as DSA and PIP, and higher education disability services. Together, we create practical guidance to help you navigate statutory support systems and secure the reasonable adjustments you’re entitled to.
Our aim is to give you clear, accessible information that helps you know what to expect and feel equipped to ask for the support you need. While this guidance reflects our best understanding and we work hard to keep it up to date, it isn’t legal advice and may not cover every individual circumstance. Because processes can change, it’s always a good idea to check the latest details from official sources such as UCAS, Student Finance England/Wales/NI/SAAS, the Office for Students (OfS), and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA).
We hope this guidance offers a useful starting point as you navigate the systems designed to support your studies.