Can I sell my DSA laptop?

StarGummy
StarGummy Connected
in Benefits and income

Hello! I received a DSA laptop at the start of my studies which was around 2 years ago but have struggled to use it as much as I'd like to because it's huge. I believe it weighs around 2.3kg, and I'd much prefer a more lightweight one.

I've found multiple laptops in my budget that have the specifications to run my allocated DSA software, but the question is whether I can sell my existing heavy DSA laptop to cover a portion of the costs?

I couldn't find anything about this online (I also couldn't find any information on the DSA portion of student finance wales' website) other than one other person on another forum who asked the same question, to which someone replied saying "no, it's fraud" with another saying "yes, you own the equipment, it's yours to sell". Which one is it?

Selling the existing laptop would genuinely be a game changer for me and wouldn't involve student finance at all, but I'd hate to accidentally break any rules.

Comments

  • 66Mustang
    66Mustang Championing

    Do you need a lighter laptop because your disability makes using a heavier one difficult?

    You might qualify for a lightweight notebook if this is the case

    Can you have another needs assessment?

  • StarGummy
    StarGummy Connected

    No I'm Autistic so it's mainly to help me with my work. I just find it incredibly hard to carry around.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Championing

    DSA is an allowance that doesn't need to be paid back. You wouldn't have to give the laptop back when you finish the course, so I don't see anything wrong with selling it to fund another now. I would recommend asking someone at your college/Uni that deals with finance though. They should be able to confirm it.

  • StarGummy
    StarGummy Connected

    Oh good idea! Thank you, I will try that next.

  • james890
    james890 Listener

    As far as I'm aware, DSA equipment is usually provided to support your studies, so before selling it I'd recommend checking the terms of your award or contacting your DSA supplier/student finance body directly for clarification. The ownership position can vary depending on how the equipment was provided and any conditions attached to it.

    If it turns out that you are allowed to dispose of the laptop, you could compare private sale options with trade-in services. RecyclePro is one option that buys used laptops and other tech, so it may be worth checking their process and valuation if you decide to sell it legally and replace it with a lighter model.

    https://www.recyclepro.co.uk/sell-laptops

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