Am I really entitled to nothing?

[Alfayxo]

Basically I went to citizens advice as I was confused as online calculators said I was entitled to nothing. They told me to go onto their website to “turn2us” calculator (already used it but that’s the only advice they had, helpful) which I did and it said that I’m entitled to zero. Not a penny. After the baby comes it is the 20.70 but that’s all.
Here’s my story:

So I’m now 25 weeks pregnant and on a PGCE primary course. Because of how my course works, I have to go on my maternity leave in two weeks (before my final placement). I’ve been applying for part time jobs but I’m visibly pregnant so people haven’t been hiring me (even though I have all the experience for these jobs and even though discrimination against pregnancy is illegal, it’s obvious why they do it). Due to my PGCE and final year of uni last year, I haven’t worked since end of December 2017. Therefore I know I’m not entitled to maternity pay or allowance.
I currently live with my fiancé with my parents. He earns (as of a week ago) 26,000. However, before he met me he got himself into a LOT of debt and therefore struggles with money and is paying off overdrafts and loans so can’t really support me as well as our baby. We only pay 200 rent at my parents and we are on the waiting list for a council house.

So can anyone tell me why I’m not entitled to anything? I’ve looked for part time work and can’t get any. I don’t really want to go into work STRAIGHT after labour but I know I’m going to have to as I can’t afford to live otherwise. I’m getting myself really run down stressing about it all.

Living separately to claim benefits is not benefit fraud as long as they really do live separately

It’s really not so black and white. They would need separate homes with their names on council tax, bills etc at their respective homes. The OP would need to claim child maintenance from her partner. They would need to avoid being seen to be a couple in the eyes of friends and neighbours which, if they continue to see each other, would be difficult. Going on holiday as a family or being seen out and about together could be enough for a prosecution. It’s not an exact science - deliberately so because people live differently and what suits one would be hell on Earth for another.

UnderMajorDomoMinor THANK YOU! Not gonna lie, there was one (well a couple but one especially) that did irk me and get my back up (which got deleted actually) and was close to biting but at the end of the day, they don’t me and what I’m like so I’m just ignoring the negatives and taking on all the great advice I’ve been given so far. Thank you so much for that lovely comment, I really do appreciate it 💖

Nana50 yes I agree, I think that’s why I got so flustered and needed a rant. I’m only young at 23 and the girl at CAB seemed to look like she’s just turned 18 (doesn’t mean she’s not qualified obviously) and she didn’t seem like she wanted to help at all. I didn’t receive any advice or explanation so I was super stressed! Exactly! A good rant has got my panic and anxiety straight out of the way and I’m ready to plow on and take every day as it comes with a smile

Could you use your teaching skills to do tutoring? It can pay quite well and whether primary or secondary there are possibilities i.e. primary sats sessions or subject specific stuff at secondary. I know tutors who do group sessions in school holidays charge x amount per child and rent a local room for the session.

When my boys were little money was phenomenally tight. I used to buy good branded second hand items, spent ages getting them at the best price, look after them and then ensure everything was clean and in good light take really detailed photos and sell on. Many items can be near to cost neutral if you really work at it.

Another thing is babies don't actually need that much stuff. It's marketing that makes us feel they do. So think about what matters most to you with your list of stuff.

If you have people who are likely to gift you items and ask what you want ensure you have a list of items at different price points of things you want so these gifts are really useful or just another cuddly toy to sit on a shelf.