Chapter 7 and student loans

[need$]

What is the name of your state? VA

I was laid off from my job almost 2 years ago. Since then, the only jobs available in my area do not even pay half of what I used to make. On top of this, over the past year I have had illnesses and an injury which altogether made me unable to work for a total of about 3 months.

I am now working 2 jobs, and have returned to college full time, which is being paid for by federal student loans. I have recently decided that I need to file for Ch. 7 bankruptcy, since my credit cards, medical bills, car loan, etc. have been charged off and now are in collections and I cannot afford to pay anything.

The excess student loan money (after paying tuition and books) was directly deposited into my checking account this week. I depend on this money to help me financially throughout the semester, since the income from my jobs is not enough to even cover my basic living expenses. Since this was student loan money, will it be protected in the bankruptcy proceedings, or will the trustee take it to pay creditors?

Thanks