How to request more training, non medical help mentor or assistive Technology training hours

How to request more training, non medical help mentor or assistive Technology training hours

If you just want to know a little more about ATT, Training or mentoring, take a look here.

If you're trying to request more NMH hours, here’s how it works:

🧠 Who Can Request More NMH Hours?

✅ A Student

  • If your needs have changed (e.g., increased workload, new diagnosis, worsening condition), you may be able to request a reassessment. DSA/SFC/SLC rarely, if ever, allocate more hours directly to you without referring you to one of the below or via a reassessment.

✅ Study Tech or another NMH Provider

  • If we notice you're consistently exceeding allocated hours or need more support, we may be able to ask you for/submit logs as evidence (see below) to justify an increase. This is often rejected by DSA without Medical and institutional evidence, as below.

✅ DSA Needs Assessor

  • If still involved/it's still within a few months of your assessment, they may be able to recommend additional hours based on updated both institutional and Medical evidence or by a small change of circumstance.

✅ University Disability Advisor

  • They can support the request and provide institutional evidence of need. This is often the quickest/easiest route, though only if both institutional and Medical evidence is available.

📋 How to Request More NMH Hours

1. Gather Evidence

  • Examples: GP letter, psychologist report, tutor feedback, NMH provider logs.

  • Show why current hours are insufficient and what additional support is needed.

2. Contact Your DSA Team

  • Usually via your funding body (e.g., Student Finance England).

  • Ask for a DSA review or reassessment.

3. Submit a Formal Request

  • Include:

    • Your DSA reference number

    • Type of NMH support

    • Justification for increased hours

    • Supporting documents

4. Wait for Approval

  • The funding body may approve more hours or ask for further clarification.

🛠️ Pro Tip for University DA's or providers

If you're managing this for a student, include:

  • Weekly usage logs

  • Notes on unmet needs

  • Impact on academic progress

This may make the case stronger and speed up approval.

Useful Links

📘 1. GOV.UK – Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

The core government page explaining DSA, including NMH support and how needs can be reassessed.

📘 2. Student Loans Company – NMH Provider Guidance

This is the official rulebook for NMH providers. It covers:

  • When support can be increased

  • Evidence requirements

  • How to request changes

  • Provider responsibilities

📘 3. DfE – Improving Non‑Medical Help for Disabled Students (Call for Evidence)

This is a Department for Education publication that defines NMH roles and discusses how support levels are determined.

📘 4. NMH Quality Assurance Framework (QAF)

This framework governs:

  • Provider obligations

  • Reporting changes in student need

  • Audit requirements

📘 5. SFE Guidance – NMH Allowance

This page explains how NMH is authorised and how changes are handled when needs increase.

📘 6. DSA Guidance for Needs Assessors (SFE / SLC)

This document explains how assessors recommend NMH hours and how reassessments work.