Universal credit and child tax credits/SMP?

[valencia88]

Hello,

I am 20 weeks pregnant, been an awful ride so far (unfortunately) as I am suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarium (what Kate Middleton had, can't keep anything down and dehydration) so I have lost my job and am therefore on UC for the moment.

Once the baby comes (its my first child) what will my economy look like? As far as I am aware UC is 317 GBP a month, what else can I claim? As I am not employed I dont have any maternity allowance, how do I qualify for SPT and can I even apply for it? It's very confusing, I dont want to be in this position but I need to know my options.

Thank you!

what is SPT ? Do you mean SMP ? if you are eleigible for SMP or maternity allowance then it would just be counted as income for Universal credit but paid separately. You won't get child tax credits as Universal credit has replaced those. When the baby is born you will get the child element of UC.

When the baby is born you will also get £20.70 per week child benefit which is paid separately to UC and you may be eligible for council tax reduction if you pay council tax. if you are a lone parent then also apply for child maintainance and that is not counted as income for UC.