Long story but here we go .
So I recently finished university and completed my degree during the last term my funding was completely taken away from me leaving me in serious financially difficulties .At this point I called SF and ask why I never recieved the childcare grant amount expected ,they advise me that I was expected to recieve a payment but due to handing in my form late it had been stop .Anyways I continued with childcare arrangment as normal but told the childminder what had happened. Few weeks later I recieved letter which stated the amount where correct and unfortunately I will not recieve any funds. So , I explain this to my childminder and told her that I will have to work around the free funded hours ,although I was still expected to go to my classes .
I than was going to go back to university,but my first payment didn't seem right and would not of covered my childcare cost, so decided to defer my place so I didnt get into further debt but at the time told the childminder I will pay any debts owe as soon as a. My student money came through or b. If I can find out why it was stopped and I was refunded .if all fails as soon as I find a job I will start making regularly repayments .
So, since leaving my course I been looking for various job many of which I was not sucessful for a number of reasons however , I was behind on various debts such as rent etc and been on benefits atm so explained to the childminder again look I am in no position to make regular payments but I acknowledge I owe you money .Eventhough I was struggling I did pay her £350 ,which she never took of my outstanding balance. I asked her to send me the new invoice with what I paid deducted so I could show this evidence to step change . They advise me any payments should be made on priority debts and this wasn't classed as one but was happy to include them on a list of debt I would make regular payments to via through them.
Anyways, I recently just fount a job so I than contacted my same childminder and explained could I have a rough idea of cost of care etc etc and once in place I will start paying you plus any arrears owed ontop which I think is reasonable .
Her response is like she expect me to pay what I owe upfront first before I can get care . At no point did she ever mention this and since I have got a job it like she put a barrier in to make it impossible for me to earn money to than repay her what I owe and continue care with her ..
I am now left stuck without any care ,in a position where I finally getting on my feet again .To be told actually pay up what you owe first, otherwise you have no care and than therefore I will be unable to earn a living.
Is there any help out there to clear of the debt owed ,so I could get care ? Or shall I just find another childminder ? And pay off what I can each month.. Don't know what to do I feel like I tried to be honest, I could of changed my number been dishonest not paid a penny back not give no explanation like many other do . And it seems like it been thrown back in my face,I done everything to avoid taking risk deferred my place at university due to it . Whilst ,most students would of just continue running up debt without a care like many of my friends have .