Mortgage and benefits

[imclueless]

Hi all, I'm pregnant and on 22k a year with a mortgage. Living alone/ sole earner so technically single parent? Partner lives separately for now. I've tried all the benefit calculators but I can't find a definite answer as to whether I am entitled to anything? At the minute my plan is to go back to work before SMP drops below 90% of wage but obviously that creates ridiculous child care costs split between me and my partner.

Can anyone offer any knowledge on this?

You won’t get housing costs because you own your home. You’re better off claiming childcare costs if you qualify and working. The work allowance and childcare costs from UC will be your best option. Use the entitled to benefits calculator and just put a ballpark childcare cost in and it will show you. Maintenance from child’s dad isn’t included so add that on afterwards to your total income .

Nothing for mortgage support if working.
Childcare costs would be 85% covered up to a max of around £680 *if you are entitled to UC.
Benefit calculators should be able to show this for you. Try www.betteroffcalculator.co.uk/calculator/new/step1

You will get child benefit at around £21 a week, and possibly a small amount of UC to top up your wages - not much though, around £5-10 a week.
You will also get some help with childcare costs and if you are living separately, the child’s father will need to pay you maintenance.

I’d punch your numbers into the entitled to website, and the CMS calculator

Thanks both really helpful, it's all so confusing! If I am entitled for UC would I need apply now or would that have to wait for the baby to arrive due to not currently having a dependent ?

Wait until the baby arrives. There might be a bit of a delay getting the money but it will be backdated to the day you made the claim. I wouldn’t get too excited, it won’t be loads, but it all helps! Then add childcare costs once you go back to work and know what you are paying.

@TheSausageKingofChicago Thank you, again really helpful. Reading the gov.uk site was painful!