Can I get any extra financial help when on maternity leave/pay?

[Neuro]

Hi all
I'm going be a single parent and I own my own flat. I wondered as maternity pay is so atrocious (and would only cover half my monthly outgoings, without even adding food expenses to the list!), does anyone know of any further government help I can get? i.e. a council tax reduction? Any working tax credits - as i believe maternity pay is considered income? Also if M pay is about £112 pw, is that then taxed at usual rate?
I have been told that if you have a mortgage you can't get any temporary help with it, which seems kind of unfair!
I haven't had time to get to the Job Centre or Citizen's advice yet, so apols if i sound lazy. Are these the right places to find out about all this stuff? There is plenty on the internet but no where where i can actually work out what i can receive. Feel a bit overwhelmed by it all.
Thanks

Have you talked to your mortgage company about a payment break? It will cost you a little bit extra when you resume payments, but probably not huge amounts. I'm with the Halifax and when I asked they said that maternity leave is a very acceptable reason for having a break - and they offered me up to 6 months.

You will get Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit - have you factored that in to your calculations? Child Benefit is something like £17 per week, and Child Tax Credit depends on your income - take a look at the Inland Revenue website for more details. You could phone their helpline, maybe they'll be able to give you an idea of what you will receive.

Not sure about your other questions but SMP is taxed at the normal rate. In practice though if you've been paying tax for the beginning of a financial year then start getting SMP you'll probably find you get a little bit back rather than paying any. You will ahve to pay NI too. But these will only be a few pounds each since SMP is so little!!!

Possibly entitled to Council tax benefit too?