Maintenance loan for Full time online distance course - Mature Student

I have finally plucked up the courage to look into doing a degree as a mature student. I would like to do an online distance course Full time as I suffer from anxiety and could not bare to attend a course in person. However I really don't know how I'd survive financially if I didn't get a Maintenance loan!
My questions are:
Is a maintenance loan achievable in my circumstances?
How long on average does it take to get as I was hoping to start in September?
What do I need to do and what evidence do I need to provide?
Thank you

Hi there,
What university would you be studying at?
For online distance learning we require a medical declaration form to be completed by yourself and your GP. If it's accepted then you'd receive a Maintenance Loan. The payments are made on/or as close to the first day of each term.
Thanks,
Ross

Thank you for your reply, i've been worrying and putting off everything as it is quite nerve racking for me. I'm very worried about applying for a course and then not getting accepted for maintanance finance as I have 3 children to support. To be accpeted would I have to be in receipt of a sickness/disability benefit such as PIPs or DLA?
As I am really suffering with anxiety, stress depression and have 3 children but I do not claim benefits.