This is my first time on this site. I would like to share my story with you.

In 1993 the company i worked for had downsized therefore i was out of work. At the time I had a child and another on the way. I decided to return to post-secondary school.  I enrolled in MUN (Memorial University of Nfld). Because i was attending university full time I wasn't able to collect my EI. At the time my wife was working making a little more than minimum wage. Fortunately we had enough in savings to cover the cost of my books and tuition and offset the first semester of school. Needless to say things were tight for us. I did apply for a student loan but didn't receive anything until my second semester.  After my first year of university we had our second child. My wife decided to stay home with the kids.  For the next 3 years we depended solely on student loans. Things were even more challenging for me and my family.

However, in 1997 i graduated with honors and began working right after graduation  but not full time. Shortly after, I was met with the challenge of paying back my loan and still today I am making payments on my loan. I have used the interest relief that was available and  even lowered the monthly payments in order to make ends meet. I have applied for debt reduction twice and both times turned down.

Presently I have four children, One child is diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy and my youngest child as a global developmental delay. This in itself as put a great deal of stress on our family plus having to deal with the other issues of life . My application for debt reduction as been turned down based only on my gross income . They dont take into consideration the other circumstances surrounding our family. 

I would like to hear from anyone that is in a situation like mine and may have been successful in receiving debt reduction on their loan.

sincerely

fatheroffour