Could do with some advice

Wolfsbayne

Im a little premature with this question but want to get things sorted asap.

ok, I am currently at university studying a Diploma in Operating Department Practice which I finish in July 2008. However, the results aren't official until September 2008 (so theoretically, I believe I will be a student until that time). The problem is, in order to work as a ODP I have to be registered with the Health Professions Council and this won't happen until October so I can't work until then (yes, I can do agency but I was unemployed last year and even agency work was a nightmare to find).

Im currently living on a NHS bursary of £500 a month which covers rent (£260), bills, food, travel and everything else so as you can imagine I dont have any left at the end of each month. The course is so intensive that I can't manage a part time job either.

And, unfortunately this is my second time at university so I can't get a student account. I've also got a poor credit record after defaulting on a personal loan/graduate account and on token payments for numerous creditors.

The crunch of the matter is (sorry its taken so long).
My last bursary payment will be mid August 2008.
I can't start working until October 2008 and so its unlikely i'll get paid until November.

Will there be any benefits/help I can obtain to pay my rent and bills during this period? I'll try and get an overdraft but a) its extremely doubtful i'll get one and b) its unlikely to be enough to pay for everything during that length of time and im worried that things are going to turn into a nightmare!

Any advice would be appreciated

student_advisor

You should apply to your institution for an Access to Learning Fund (ALF) grant, you can do this now and they should be able to assess you over the holidays as long as they have some money left in the pot.

Apply at the beginning of the new academic year too & try to put it away for when you know you'll really need it.

The NHS also has a hardship fund but likes you to use the ALF first.

When you officially finish your course, you should be able to apply for Jobseekers Allowance & housing benefit/council tax benefits for the period where you are not working.

It might be a good idea to see your institution's Welfare/Funding Advisor, they could help you with a budget if necessary and also explore other avenues of funding such as charitable support.


Good luck.