Disability Student Allowance

After speaking to the nurses at Clatterbridge, they mentioned that I should be eligible for a DSA (Disabled Student Allowance) under the long-term/chronic illness category. Although I have never seen my Lymphoedema as a disability or something to declare as an illness, it makes perfect sense after discussing with with others to try and apply for an extra grant on top of my student loan. Even if I do not turn out eligible, there is nothing I can lose from seeking the financial help. I have booked an assessment with a professional to review my condition and how it affects my student life as well as my options for the allowance and how I would use it.

I could use a DSA to assist payments for:

- Train costs travelling from London to Chester for Lymphoedema appointments (which I would be able to have more often with more financial support)

- Prescription costs of stockings with each new order

- Weekly MDL sessions in London to have alongside treatments

- Purchase of a personal IPC machine (Flowtron 12 or Lymphflow by Haddenham)

- Emollient for skin health (oils and moisturiser)

- Subscriptions to Lymphoedema support groups such as BLS (British Lymphoedema Support) or LSN (Lymphoedema Support Network)

- Consultations with surgeons and possible surgical costs