Shock pregnancy

[Louise344]

Hi there :)
I've just recently joined mumsnet and i'm looking for any advice possible. We found out we were 27 weeks pregnant on December 30th, with absolutely no warning signs whatsoever! :o So we are panicking a little about the short space of time we have.
I currently live in a shared flat to which the contract ends in April, my partner lives and works away. What are my grounds for being housed as soon as possible? Obviously, this is priority at the moment. Any advice on money help also would be much appreciated. I work full time but i'll be taking maternity very soon. I'm thinking about going to the neatest citizens advice centre for some advice and help.

Many thanks :)

What are your plans longer term? Are you planning to live together? I doubt you would be considered priority for social housing if you are housed but no harm in trying depending what the waiting lists are in your area. I guess you can look for another private rent and your partner help towards the rent or claim as a lone parent and get help with your rent depending on your income. They may query whether you actually are a lone parent .

Look up maternity grant, it's £500 which will cover most of your baby equipment if your careful. It's dependent on other benefit, but you can qualify with tax credits if your income is under a certain amount.

Tax credits don't count the first £100/week of maternity pay so if you put in a claim with an estimate of your income next tax year (after April) you'll have a good chance of qualifying.

You cannot make a new claim for tax credits in most parts of the country now. Most areas are full service Universal credit.

When child is born claim child benefit. Also child maintenance from your partner, if he gives you no money, claim through CSA/CMS

Apologies, it appears my advice is out of date.

Have a look at the terms of the shared housing agreement. If you would be allowed to stay there then you may not have a high priority for council housing even when the baby is born. Each council has different rules - in my area just being pregnant would not raise your priority

You should definitely not just leave/give notice without getting housing lined up. Shelter has lots of information on the process. If you have a local office they can be very helpful or there is a national helpline.

england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/council_housing_association/how_to_apply_for_council_housing

If you are claiming any benefits you need to be very clear whether you are in a couple or single. (This is even true of child benefit if he is a high earner.) if you say you are a single part you will need to show that you genuinely are separated- so separate finances (except that he sees/supports child).
Have a look at your contract to see your rights to maternity leave and contractual or statutory maternity pay. You can then do a benefit check - entitledto.co.uk has a checker you can use or citizens advice may help if you get stuck.