In a pickle with scrappy agency work

puzzledbyadream_2

I'm in a nasty pickle, and I think this is probably the best place to post this.


From last August to this August I was in a minimum wage job, so I bobbed along nicely but didn't make any savings. I then moved cities just as this job was ending and my only option was to take out a £1000 loan from the bank to cover the deposit, agency fees and first month's rent. I signed up with an education agency looking for teaching assistant work.


I have started a part time masters this year, hence signing up to the agency, and all this means is that I am unable to work one day a week as I have to attend a day time lecture (and do my work). I have a postgraduate loan to cover the fees for this, and a little bit left over that cover's one month's rent and bills.


I had a period between August and the second week of September during which I had 10 days of holiday and then a period of unemployment in which I was not getting paid. I was somewhat naïve to assume I would get agency work from the start of September and really thought I'd get more work.


I have had 5 weeks of work, 4 days a week, in a school but this is ending very soon and the agency doesn't seem to have a placement lined up for me next. Between the time not working at the start of September and half term and INSET days next week I am very concerned that I won't make my rent at the end of this month. I am earning about £220 a week when I have 4 days of work but work is really not guaranteed.


I also have a £2000 credit card debt which I am paying off in as large a chunks as I can manage. Fortunately this is on a 0% credit card but I am cross with myself for nearing the limit so completely as now my little safety net is gone.


Am I right in thinking it would be really complicated to apply for any benefits? I'm not unemployed but it's quite likely I might be working under 16 hours a week in future once this placement ends. I am applying for jobs left, right and centre and having the least success I have ever had. Also as I am a part-time student I think this negates anything.


I'm just so frustrated, I can't see a way out without getting myself into even more debt, either with another credit card or a Professional and Career Development loan. Does anyone have any advice? I am having terrible anxiety and scaring my housemates as they think we will lose the tenancy if I can't pat my rent. I know the answer really is to get another job but I've been rejected by silence from all but one that I've applied for.