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Morning all,
I need some advise please.
I'm a single parent and have been for close to 10years now. I work part time & I get Child Tax Credits, Child Benefits & help with my rent ( which they have now slashed in a major way )
I am seriously wanting to "go back to school "!! By this I mean that I need to go back to college to do an Access Course which will enable me to get into a Uni to then do a Degree in Psycology/Councelling. My concern is that, because I am wanting to go to college as a Full Time Student, how will we survive??? I am so worried about my rent, council tax, bills, food, car etc.
The other issue is that the council have said that they 'overpaid' me back in 2009 & I am having to pay them back monthly (hefty amount) PLUS pay for the council tax on my current home which I am renting. How I was 'overpaid is beyond me because I am on the ball & honest to ALWAYS make them aware of any change in my circumstance.
SO with all this, I am wondering how or IF I CAN actually go to college as a Full Time student, get my Access Course then get into a Uni and gain a career then GET OFF the benefit sytem. Any ideas ladies & gents???
Have you considered doing a course through the Open University. They can offer funding for low-income familys or student loans and you can start at a certificate of education, to a diploma all the way up to a councelling/psychology degree.
I did an access course and then went to a "proper" uni, to find they were very inflexible with me and my then 4yo. The OU is so much better and you decide when to study and how quick you want to do it.
Good luck either way :)
Thanks for that naomicj 
""The other issue is that the council have said that they 'overpaid' me back in 2009 & I am having to pay them back monthly (hefty amount)""
You should be able to have the amount you pay back each month to a lower figure like you can with child tax credits overpayments.
E.G i own TC £3000 and i pay them £10 per month this is based on earnings and outgoings
I do not see why the council tax overpayment cannot be repaid the same way just appeal it
Open University only works if you are very very disciplined and can self-motivate. It would be absolutely useless for me - I get motivated by talking to others :-)
Re the overpayment: Write them a letter saying you can afford to pay them back £ 5 a month, no more. I tried this and they waived my 'overpayment'.
Hi chiccab, have you managed to get things a little more sorted now?
Hello chiccab
Please get in touch with our Money Expert who will be able to advise you. Make sure you include the age of your child (ren)
Good luck and let us know how you get on