My DD is 12 this year and I'm 4 months pregnant with baby No2. I became unemployed not long before finding out I was expecting. The father has run a mile making it very clear that although he has money he'll only be paying what ever CSA make him pay and even then he'll make it as difficult as possible. I had assumed (stupidly )that I would qualify for a Maternity Grant if I hadn't found work before the birth. Given the fact I have an operation next week and may be unable to work for a few weeks after that and the fact that the prospects of employing someone who will be taking a tone of Maternity leave at the end of the year isn't dreadfully appealing to employers I think it's unlikely I'll find a job It turns out that Maternity Grants are only paid for the first child or if all other children are over 16. Well given that DD is almost 12 and almost in secondary school I have non of her baby things and am only just getting by on what JSA and tax credits I get. Is there anything I can apply for to help with towards the costs of basic items like a cot, pram etc... or is my benefits likely to go up at all in the pregnancy? I'm terrified of how I'll afford even baby grows let alone other things without some sort of help. All advice would be welcome.