Do I need to repay my student loan? I've had a brain tumour

I graduated in 2002 and was part of the first cohort to pay tuition fees. I then secured funding for an MA and PhD. On completing the PhD two years ago, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I had surgery and made a good recovery but am left with severe fatigue and some sight loss. I work two days a week, plus additional part-time teaching. In the months I am paid for teaching, I reach the threshold for repaying the student loan. Of course, the interest continues to accrue and I wonder if the debt will go with me to my grave. Is the status of my debt changed at all by my long-term health condition? IR, London Each month that you earn more than £1,250, your employer deducts repayment for the student loan. But if, at the end of the year, you have earned under £15,000, you can send in your P60 to claim back these payments. If you receive a disability-related benefit, and because of the disability are declared permanently unfit to work, your student loan will be cancelled. As you are able to work part-time, you cannot request this. Higher education funding and student finance is currently under review, so keep watch for any rule changes. You can email Margaret Dibben at [email protected] or write to Margaret Dibben, Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU and include a telephone number. Do not enclose SAEs or original documents. The newspaper accepts no legal responsibility for advice.