NMH allowance is to provide funding for additional support you may need due to a disability to undertake your course on an equal basis to other students.
This can be used to help pay for support workers or other non-medical helpers you may need to benefit fully from your course such as a:
- note taker
- study skills tutor
- library assistant
- specialist mentoring support
If you're recommended NMH in your Needs Assessment Report (NAR) and we agree to cover this through DSA, we'll send you written confirmation of this as part of your DSA application.
The letter will confirm the NMH provider has been recommended as well as their contact details so you can contact them directly to arrange your support.
You do not need to use the NMH indicated on your NAR.
If you want to use a different NMH to the one approved in your DSA award letter, you must confirm the details and hourly rates of the new NMH.
These must be confirmed to us by your Needs Assessor or disability advisor.
DSA NMH services must be provided by support workers who have the appropriate employed or self-employed status. They must be registered with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to pay tax and National Insurance on their earnings.
Any support you receive will be paid directly to your NMH provider on receipt of the appropriate invoices.
If there's an additional cost involved over and above the cost agreed in your DSA award letter, this must be funded by yourself.
Your NAR shows the amount of hours and sessions you're entitled to claim for each academic year.
NMH support sessions can be undertaken throughout the year if you do not exceed the number of hours you're entitled to, the support you receive is course related, and you continue to attend your course.