[th0ts]

Hi,
I feel a bit stuck at the moment, as the title would suggest. I'm a mature student who was getting adult dependant and child grants until recently. I didn't send the correct proof that I was entitled to it but they didn't tell me until my last payment was due so they didn't pay me the grant. I sent proof and 6 weeks later (2 weeks ago) student finance told me they needed something else. I've now sent that off but it's going to be weeks now before that will be processed (presuming they don't ask for anything else).
I now have absolutely no money at all and no way I can find to get any. I have suffered with a lot of health problems in the past and I missed my last 2 exams because of it. I had help last year (DSA) but mostly just for extra help and time in tests etc. I refused it this year stupidly because I wanted to get through it by myself. This means there is no way to get any kind of benefits. The closing date for the learning fund has passed so I can't get that either. I can barely leave my flat at the moment. I know people are going to say 'get a job!' which is fair enough but it just isn't possible right now. I'm not trying to get everything for free, that's partly why I refused the DSA this year.
I'm 2 weeks late on my rent now and bills haven't been paid. My phone is being turned off and it just makes me panic even more. I'm down to enough food for a few days.
So as far as I know that leaves me with no way to get money? Is there anything I have missed? I don't have anybody in my personal life who can help me out. I have a child who I look after quite a lot but he lives with his mother.
I would appreciate some advice. I feel a bit trapped.
Thanks

[Anon420]

Go visit your local CAB office http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

If you're entitled to DSA, you should make a call to get it instated. I presume you're living by yourself in a house share / own house. Is this not covered by housing benefits somewhat or do you get zero benefits at all?

Also if you got DSA, does your disability entitle you to DLA and ESA? As I said though, go visit your local CAB office and they can provide proper help and support once they've heard from you and seen your documents.

[jus2sik]

your uni should have like a hardship loan or something, speak to them about it

[Siberianwinter]

Hi,
I know it will be hard not to but Don't panic..there is help out there. You need to get to see some one who can signpost what you are entitled to. Your University will employ student counsellors, some of whom are specialist in student finance issues. Call them straight away!!!

You should at the very least be able to get a payment via the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) which, depending on your circumstances, can be either a one off crisis payment or a regular weekly amount to top up if your student loans are not sufficient to meet your actual costs.

Separately, because you look after a child you should be able to claim housing benefit even though you are a student..again contact your local authority where your University is and start a claim for HB.

If you have a recognised physical or a learning disability then claim for Disability Living Allowance. Whilst you may only be entitled to the lower rate care component, entitlement acts a s a 'passport to other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance and DSA.

So however desperate you may feel, help is out there and they want to support you. You just have to tell them..so give your student counsellors a call and get the ball rolling!!

Good luck and I hope it works out for you

[th0ts]

Hey.
Thanks for the replies and advice. I've managed to organise a meeting with the finance people in uni tomorrow. They said if they can't help with student finance issues then there might possibly be other help with temporary finance. The access to learning fund (ALF) has closed but they suggested in certain circumstances they can still help. I'm feeling a little better now.
I don't think I can get housing benefit because I don't actually live with my son, I just look after him 2 or 3 days a week. I will look into the DLA though.
Thanks again. I was quite close to giving up!

[kellysmith]

Good luck and I hope it works out for you.