When do I have to return my DSA equipment?

When do I have to return my DSA equipment?

So, when do I have to return my equipment?

Good news, most of the time you do not have to return your DSA awarded equipment. DSA (Disabled Student Allowance) isn't a loan so it doesn't need to be repaid, its a grant. It mostly depends on SLC and your DSA provider.

It is always a good thing to contact your DSA supplier as well as SLC (Student Finance England) to keep them updated and they will be able to help you.

As long as you stay on your course, or take a temporary break from studies, normally due to medical leave or an interruption of studies, you'll be allowed to keep your equipment as you have the intention of returning to your studies. DSA is not means-tested so the equipment will remain your property come the end of your course. Once again, you should inform SLC, your university AND your DSA supplier so the right action can be taken.

If you decided to leave your course early, the funding body you used may decide to recover some of your DSA depending on the funding body you use.

Can I Sell My DSA‑Funded Equipment?

Short answer

No — you cannot sell, give away, or transfer any equipment funded by Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) while you are still on your course.

This rule applies to laptops, software, accessories, and any other items funded through your DSA award.

Why you can’t sell DSA equipment

DSA equipment is paid for using public funds to support your studies. When you accepted your DSA award, you agreed that:

  • The equipment is for your personal study use only. Not for work or personal use.

  • You must not sell, gift, or transfer it during your course

  • You must keep it available for your academic needs

Selling it counts as misuse of public funds and breaks the DSA Terms & Conditions.

What happens if I do sell my DSA equipment?

If equipment is sold during the course, Student Finance may:

  • Withdraw DSA support

  • Request repayment of the cost, the entire award, not just the cost of anything sold.

  • Flag the breach to your university disability team

  • Investigate misuse of funds

Suppliers cannot assist with selling, wiping, valuing, or preparing equipment for resale.

In addition, we will no longer have an obligation to assist in any way with your studies.

Do I own the equipment?

Yes — the equipment becomes your property, but with conditions. You must keep and use it for study purposes only until your course ends.

This is similar to other public‑funded schemes (e.g., Access to Work).

After your course ends

Once you have fully completed your course:

  • You may keep the equipment

  • You may sell it if you choose

  • There is no clawback unless fraud was involved

The restriction applies only while you are still studying.

But can you ask me for it?

Study Tech will not ask you to return any equipment unless instructed to do so by the funding body, which is extremely unlikely.

Your providing a £200 contribution towards the cost of any computer equipment that was provided to you is in part to cover this eventuality, at least partially.

Below are some links to some articles that may provide comfort about this query as well as deeper insight into how it all works.