Boo hoo hoo, got my CSA thing through today-wish they wouldn't send them and get my hopes up.

[Pawslikepaddington]

Am currently literally living off child tax credit (£50 p/w) and child benefit, as all my student loan went on my rent back in January (paid rent up to April when my next installment comes in). I am meant to get £30 a week (he hasn't paid in 5 years, so huge arrears). I know I won't get a penny, and we need it so desperately. I wish they were firmer and sent debt collectors round etc.

Can't you apply to the Uni for the access to learning fund for some money? You can claim housing benefit as a full time student aswell.

I don't qualify for HB as I can't sell my house up north (uni is down south, so I rent), so I rent it out to cover the mortgage. Have applied for ALF, but don't hear until April, or get paid out until May. I hope he pays up-he has a brand new car and 3 bed house, but always says he can't afford it-grr!

Go back to student services. They do have emergency money availiable if you talk to them. The CSA can do an attachment on his earnings to get the money but I'm not sure on the procedure.

Thanks scrooged-I feel like such an idiot because my money isn't stretching this year at all compared to last year and so am scared they will turn me down for any help, but last year I qualified for HB and electricity, food etc was much less difficult to fund. Also dd was at nursery until 6pm last year, but can't go to afterschool club every day now she is at school, so am paying out for ballet, swimming etc to give me a tiny bit more study time!

Ahh, they will pay for after school care, just not for the clubs so you're in a pickle here. Have a rethink!!