Hi:I'm starting a midwifery diploma in march and am trying to work out our finances. I will get a bursary of £6000 but I don't know if I am entitled to a student loan or anything else.
DH is working and at the moment we get the basic working tax credit but do not qualify for the child tax credit. I earn a miniscule amount self-employed. Am trying to decide whether to "close down" or keep it going so I can also count as working my 16 hrs per week.
Just spent ages on the gov. website trying to work out if we will qualify for childcare help but it never mentions student status.
We sail pretty close to the wind now and my bursary is not going to go far to cover 2hrs travelling every day plus after school club for 3 kids every night, not to mention holidays. Can't seem to get any answers as to if we qualify for anything.
Just tried phoning the gov childcare line. He asked me loads of questions then said he couldn't answer as he was just there to refer me. Transfered me to somewhere that put me on hold then transferrred me somewhere else and a woman came on and got stroppy and shouted at me for phoning the local council about tax credits and reduced me to tears. Feel very frustrated. Thought perhaps mumsnet might prove more helpful - or at least more friendly!