Pregnant, seperated and income support

[Sweetiemum]

Hi Ladies,

This is my first post here and I’d really appreciate some advice.

I split up with my partner 5 months ago, we have one girl who is 3. I’ve been residing with my parents and have been living off my savings (my parents have been kind to me as well). My savings have run out and I was advised to claim income support as I’m not working. I am 6 months pregnant and really depressed as I never wanted to be in this unknown situation in my life.

I’m planning to fill out the form and hand in to my local job centre. What will happen from there? Will they call me for an interview? Also how many months bank statement will they request to see? As I need to order my statements.

If I apply for a council place, how long will the process realistically take? I am living in overcrowded conditions and with a new baby along the way, space will be tough at my parents home:(

You need to get local advice, if you have a local citizens advice office they would be the best place to talk to about benefits and housing as they will know the local processes. In terms of housing, in some parts of the county you could get something straight away, other places it will take years unless you are in danger of homelessness. Same with benefits really, many areas are now full universal credit but some are still the older benefits like income support so you need to know what they are doing in your area. Sorry that doesn't really help at all.