to be clear....

my student loan debt is pushing $100,000. the minimum payment, which i haven't paid in something like 12 or 13 years, would be over $1200, most of it interest.

my carbon tax credit was something like $300.

my gross income is less than $15,000/yr, or around $1260/month. my gross income is less than my minimum payment.

so, could i have used the $300? sure.

is it going to help me pay down my debt by withholding it? no....

i wonder if they still have it, though. i don't think they can actually apply it towards the debt, i think they can only hold it. with interest, i presume.