what do i do if i can't pay a student loan because i have a mental illness?
81996
Actually, there is a way out of most student loans. If it is a federal loan read the paperwork very carefully. Federal loans have a clause stating that you do not have to pay it back if you end up with health problems that cause full disability. Read your loan. See your physician. You will need a letter from the physician.
973584
You can contact your local mental health clinic.  They should be able to help you.   Thanks for trying to get help!
727431
Go to see the financial couseler at the hospital. They found that I had a problem and couldn't pay so they paid 7000.00 for me. Then ask your doctor if you can set up payment plans through them. Some doctors will write it off and others just want your money.
584036
When you signed the promissory note for your student loan, one of the "Rights & Responsibilities" that you agreed to was that you would repay your loans even if you do not graduate, do not obtain a job in your chosen field of study, etc.\n\nThat said, it sounds like you might be a candidate for a Economic Hardship Deferment, which would allow you to defer payment of your  loans (including any the interest on any subsidized loans).  These deferments can be hard to obtain, though, particularly if you have income.  However, if you are not eligible for this type of Deferment, you can apply for student loan forbearance, which is much easier to obtain.  In a forbearance, you will also not be required to repay your loans -- however, they will continue to accrue interest during this time.\n\nWhatever you decide to do, make sure you call your loan holder (usually a lender [like Citizens Bank] or a servicer [like Sallie Mae]) before you miss any payments.  Good communication is the best way to get a lender to work with you.
970013
Contact Social Services asap, they WILL be able to help you, even the very same day in most cases, especially as you are also becoming ill and stressed with all the pressure being put on you. CPN's are not very good in my experience (I have had a lot of experience)
737502
Run to the welfare office near you. They are with unemployment office in most cases. In your telephone book, call them. If they refuse take a lawyer. \n\nThey will put you on assistance program, you tell them your story, they would supply a lawyer to deal with this hospital( you need legal aid also), get well and in future do not let any one bed mouth the welfare system or the people on it.
227890
I am a psychologist - we need more people like you!  Mental health is always the last thing that is funded because there is still a stigma associated with it.  Go to APA.org.  That's the website for the American Psychological Association.  They will have plenty of info for you.  Also, just FYI, you can apply for Medicaid for your daughter to help cover her treatment.  Also, if you have a community mental health center near you, try that option.  She can get services for little or no cost through that type of agency.
198119
Try talking to your doctor or clinic; he/they will be able to recommend where to go for free counseling in your area.  It is available, all you have to do is ask your health care provider.  They will probably have to refer you to document your inability to pay.  I hope your daughter gets help soon so you can breathe a little easier.  Good luck!
183886
mental illness,lack of money due to not having a job.
1061685
I'm in the same situation right now.  Try to get a bridge loan.  You won't have to make any payments for up to 6 months. I hope this helps.
800337
You don't mention if you have a job.  If you do, you could either ask your employer for an advance on your paychecks or you could go to one of those paycheck loan places where they will loan you the money, at a high rate of interest, but it's better than being homeless.  Also, have you asked your parents or relatives?  One other thing, check your university's social services dept. (if they have one) and ask a counselor there for help.  \n\nIf you don't have a job, get one!  If you've been paying your rent on time in the past and this is the only time you've been late, your landlord might cut you some slack when you show him that you are really trying to get your life back on track.  Set up a payment plan with him and stick to it.\n\nIt's good that you're learning a valuable lesson now, while attending school, and it's not even part of your curriculum.  Your credit history/rating will be one of your most valuable assets as you go through life.  Protect it and do all you can to keep it healthy.  That way, when things happen to cause unexpected financial problems, you have options.
1007126
I am bipolar.  My craziest episode was obtaining about $4000 in personal loans and to this day I have no idea what I spent it on.  I have black outs and cant remember where I have been or what I may have done.  Very scarey for me.  Now I am having a real hard time paying back this money.
726976
Communicate with the medical office and ask for a reduction and a payment plan.\n\nGood Luck.
1098104
Speak to the Dean, and explain your situation. A letter would also help explain how serious the situation is. Make a payment agreement with the school and stick to it, honor your word. Schools are there to help not hinder.
93168
If you have no money, call some clinics from the Yellow Pages and try to negotiate with them on a partial payment.\n\nCall the Department of Human Services.  They may have a list of clinics that charge based on your income.\n\nGo to the emergency room.  They can't refuse you....Good luck!
623409
You should apply for a grant.  Get a grant book from the library and figure out if you qualify.  There is no such thing as a loan you don't have to pay back.  Try for a grant.
1111827
First of all, if you have mental illness, you can register with your university's Office for Students with Disabilities. This gives you accomodations like extended time, access to tutors, and organizational supports. You still must meet the academic requirements of the course, and can't get assignments excused, but you can get short deadline extensions, etc.\n\nThey also usually have counselors who understand Disability issues well enough to really guide you in how to deal with your illness.\n\nIf you are having memory problems, and are taking a drug like Xanax, that's your problem right there. Review your medication side effects... some have severe memory effects, which as a student defeats the whole purpose of taking the medication to begin with. You don't need to just feel good, you have to be able to function effectively. Not all medications can meet both criteria.\n\nThis CAN be remediated. You must be a strong advocate for yourself, which is very difficult when dealing with mental illness.\n\nFocus on the things that ARE in your control. Check your medication side effects, and get prescription changes if needed. Register with the OSD for your university. Ask for referrals to those counselors with disability coping skills knowledge. Keep your eyes on your career and life goals. And don't ever give up on yourself!