51 Year Old Mum, new to this!

I've just completed Counselling Skills Level 2 online ( which was fully funded) and wanting to progress on to Level 3.
The College have informed me that funding has just run out! I was then told Level 3 would be avaliable with an adult learner loan through Student Finance England and that the fee would be 'written off' when I started the degree course. I applied for this online and rang them (SFE) to confirm this, they told me this course is not one of the ones that would be written off! Aghhhh! I've looked at other places for the Level 3 but am receiving conflicting advice as to whether the courses are FULL COURSES and fit the criteria for the degree application! The college says it SHOULD accept an NCFE course as degree course criteria but oviously I dont want to enrol on a course that isnt accepted for the degree. I've just cancelled the finance application as I'm hoping the course will receive funding again soon. Does anyone know when new funding is released? I've Googled and it says Winter/ Spring. And Is it common to receive such conflicting advice on courses?? Can't colleges give you a definite answer on whether your course is 100% acceptable for the next level entry requirements?
TIA, I'm new to all this and getting very stressed out! Just hope I'm doing the right thing by cancelling the finance, waiting for funding and hoping I can complete the intensive course before the degree starts in September ! One final question, when should I be applying for the degree?

This sounds like a difficult situation. Whilst I'm not overly familiar with this process (and hopefully someone who is will see your post!), I just wanted to check if the college you're trying to do the Level 3 at is the same place you'll do the degree eventually?
I only ask because if it's different, the degree provider might have a confirmed list of alternative/equivalent options for the Level 3 qualification and it would be better to get it direct from them rather than the college.
Personally, I wouldn't apply for the degree until you know you've met the requirements and have the qualifications just in case there are any complications before September.