Sick of Struggling

[Barbour75]

I'm a 41 year old single mum to a 16yr old boy. I've never really known what I feels like to not worry about getting all the bills paid. I've never lived a comfortable life and I'm fed up of it. I've just returned to college to better my education but living on a bursary is hard and today I had to send my car back to the loan company as I can't afford to keep up the payments. I just feel like crying all the time because I just can't see my struggles ending. All my friends are in relationships and busy with their own families, my son has his own life to enjoy without worrying about me so I keep a fake smile on for him. The thought of spending the next four years in financial difficulty fills me with dread as I just don't want to struggle anymore. Can anyone help?

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Barbour75,

Ok, let's see what we can do to help you get some perspective and ideas to improve your situation. First off, please don't give up on your dream of bettering yourself, no matter how tough it is, it will be worth it. I know many mature learners who have made the brave step as you have to gain an academic education, simultaneously bringing up a family, working full-time, sometimes doing two or three low paid jobs to make ends meet (I'm not suggesting that you should do this, just illustrating) , and have felt like giving up, but hanging on in there to gain a degree or qualifications which has opened up a whole new career and life. You can do this!

So here's some tried and tested suggestions to improve your financial situation. I presume if you are studying a university degree in social work (which is brilliant by the way), and you have long-term disabilities or impairments under the Equalities Act 2010 which includes both physical and mental health long-term conditions. Then you should apply for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) a non-means tested government loan made available to help you (See the link for more information). Secondly, most universities have a hardship fund available for those on a low income (see link below). Thirdly, if you are in full time education students can apply to their local council for a council tax reduction (see below). Fourthly, the Citizen's Advice Bureau offers impartial advice on many matters including financial needs, see the link and make an appointment to see them.

Extra money to pay for university - gov.uk/extra-money-pay-univ...

Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) gov.uk/disabled-students-al...

Student Council Tax reduction: gov.uk/council-tax/discount...

Citizen's Advice Bureau citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...

I know it's tough, we are here and listening, you can do this.

Take care.