Struggling

K9sandFelines

I have decided to return back to studies and wonder if anbody has any tips foe for. I knew it was going to be hard emotionally and financially, but I didn't quite realise how much. I have no time for anything as I work as well, and I'm shattered all the time. I am also a single parent. My outgoings are the same as my incomings. I am overdrawn to pay for food, pets and their food. I am beginning to question whether I have made the right decision already only six weeks in. I cannot get full funding/student loan until I pass this course and advance to the next level.
Any advice?

[Deleted User]

K9sandFelines wrote: »

I have decided to return back to studies and wonder if anbody has any tips foe for. I knew it was going to be hard emotionally and financially, but I didn't quite realise how much. I have no time for anything as I work as well, and I'm shattered all the time. I am also a single parent. My outgoings are the same as my incomings. I am overdrawn to pay for food, pets and their food. I am beginning to question whether I have made the right decision already only six weeks in. I cannot get full funding/student loan until I pass this course and advance to the next level.
Any advice?

What level are you studying and what income do you currently have?

See if you have a food bank locally that you can get referred to.

K9sandFelines

I am earning between 12-14 hours @£7.50 an hour, but don't think this has taken effect yet with housing benefit, as they are going off my hours for August;until I can supply them with October's wage slip (which will show my drop in earnings) and September's, which will be similar to August. I cant even do overtime unless it's dead on 16hrs; as they've said since April-October they've been overpaying me.

I am trying to cut other expenses but I'm in contracts until Feb and May.

I don't think id be entitled to a food bank, as I have a small amount of money for emergencies ( anything with the cats or clothes - which I am desperate for at the mo. Especially black pants for college)

I'm on a Level 2. I receive £50 a month bursary for stationery or food, but I am taking packed lunch at the mo as even the prices in the canteen are expensive.

Just wondered if there is anything else i could be claiming? Also, will I get council tax exemption or anything? I am currently on single person reduced rate.

[Deleted User]

Full time students get an exemption from Council tax.
You should still be getting child tax credits. Working too if you can get a few more hours.
Have a look what’s in your local community because I volunteer in a food market. Not a food bank anyone can go but everything is 20p

K9sandFelines

Thank you for your reply. I can get the exemption form for council tax hopefully before half term is here, as I had to wait 42 days in order for them to give me something to take to the council. So £80 will help immensely.I do get wtc and ctc, but still I have included that in my expenses. As I have worked overtime before starting the course, it should even out with me now doing so few hours. I dont want to work more than 16 hours either at the moment though, as everytime I do I seem to be worse off with housing benefit. They've calculated im entitled to nothing with the overpayment. I'm hoping this will change due to the drop in income, as I cant pay a rent that is higher than my earnings.

Thankfully I have a shop just like you mentioned in the local town, and I was using it all the time up until starting my course; but now I always miss it. I have to get transport at 7.40 in the morning and its only open Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat , 10-1.By the time I get home they have closed. On a Saturday I am going to work, so never have the time or inclination to go before I start. Again in half term, maybe i'll have a chance, but I also have to start placement as of this week.

How do you manage your time? I am so drained. I found it such a doddle when I was younger and now I can't keep up ��. Lack of sleep is starting to mess with my head somewhat!