Housing benefit & universal credit(?)

[EmJ94]

Just after some advice regarding benefits and housing, please.
I am currently 32 weeks pregnant and have just signed on to universal credit, £250 monthly.
When my baby arrives, what changes?
Can I apply for housing benefit as well as universal credit?
My housing situation at the minute is really not ideal so if I can, I want to get out ASAP after baby has arrived.
Thanks. X

Once the baby arrives and you have the certificate then you can add your child and you will get the child element. If you start to rent somewhere then you need to take the tenancy agreement into the jobcentre and claim the housing element. You would only be entitled to the local authority rate for maybe a two bedroom property so you need to be aware they may well not pay all your rent. Council tax discount is applied for separately through your local council. Child benefit is applied for separately and paid separately. You do not have to wait for child benefit to be awarded to claim the child element of UC
, although they may try to tell you that you need to wait.

The child element is around £231 extra.