Money money money!!

Hey all
I'm 20, and am applying for uni - I will be 21 when I start. I am planning to live privately with my partner and wolf-dog, and I don't quite understand the finance side of things in terms of how SF make their decisions. I am estranged from my mother, and my father's earnings would probably exceed the maximum required earnings for me to get finance for living costs. I have read that once you claim the earnings of a parent, SF will automatically assume that the parent is able/willing to support you during uni - which seems incredibly unfair? Firstly, despite the fact that my father probably does earn more than average, his debts etc are so astronomical that he never sees any of that money. Secondly, I'll be 21, even if he was able to support me he wouldn't be willing. How do I get around this and get financial support if they're simply going to assume that he will support me because of his earnings?!
Thanks in advance.
Peace, Love and Light <3