Universal credit single mum - Help

[Teddyo]

I'm claiming universal credit and already have 1 child.

My ex would very rarely visit, but on one occasion, we went to visit him and he apologised profusely (for his adulterous past) and agreed to take full responsibility for me and our son. I believed him, we reconciled and again, in a space of a few weeks, I had to start dealing with his emotional and narcissistic abuse, cheating and more. He began raising his voice around my son and throwing things around the house, punching walls, etc.

I have now left the whole borough in hopes of getting away from him. I gave up my social housing property and now private let.

I am now 20 weeks pregnant again with his second baby. I want to inform universal credit, but I really don't want to come across as a cheat/fraudster. I honestly have nothing to hide and was doing all I can to find work.

I have been contacted by them on my online journal when I moved, about about a "Telephone Interview" that's been scheduled for me. I don't know what they will ask, but should I tell them I'm pregnant then or after the baby arrives? Or before?

I feel very stupid for believing him again and truly very regretful of my life choices.

Sorry to hear, OP. I'm, especially, sorry you gave up social housing (and low rent!) for this prick. NEVER give up a secure tenancy for a man.
Were you claiming UC whilst you were with this man? If so, did you tell them you were in a relationship?

Personally, I wouldn't mention it yet.

I mean, I wouldn't mention about the baby yet.

I've never been on UC so may be being ignorant here but I can't understand why you wouldn't declare your pregnancy as it is very relevant when you are job hunting e.g. you obviously can't go for jobs that will require heavy lifting or would be otherwise hazardous to a pregnancy.

I used to work for the jobcentre. Mention it. It may well be relevant to the type of work you can do, and they can advise you of any extra help you'll be entitled to now and when the baby arrives. No one will ask you who the father of your child is, or the circumstances of conception. They will only want to know are you living with a partner now and what your current circumstances are. Plenty of women become pregnant whilst claiming benefits but are not part of a 'couple' by the DWP's definition, I highly doubt they will grill you on how the baby came to be.

Mention it now. The father may be a total random so it doesn't suggest you are back with him or live with him. The fact is youre a single mum with another on the way, it's no ones business who the father is