36 weeks pregnant and universal credit

[Tairbear]

Hi I'm hoping someone may have some experience or advice.

I was a registered health professional up until June 2019, then some unforeseen health issues lead me to hand in my notice and have been in universal credit since. I have an almost 4yo DS and am due my second 12/12/20. Unfortunately became single very soon after becoming pregnant.

As I'm on universal credit I applied for SMP but was declined as Iv been out of work for so long. Also cannot apply for sure start grant as I already have one child.

I'm at a loss as if I'm entitled to claim anything? Iv tried googling and not found anything. Tia x

Universal credit is much better for working people or people getting smp. Obviously as you know you wont get smp as you aren't currently working. Even if you were entitled to maternity allowance which is paid by the government for women who have worked enough weeks in recent month but don't qualify for SMP, it would just be deducted from your UC pound for pound so you would be no better off.
So being pregnant wont change your Uc entitlement, you will continue to get the amount you currently get until your second child is born and then you will get an extra £235.83 on your Uc claim.

You should also claim child maintenance which can be paid to you without it affecting your UC.

@Babyroobs

You should also claim child maintenance which can be paid to you without it affecting your UC.

Babyroobs thank you so much!

Your response had cleared things up for me hugely.

I did apply for MA and obviously it was rejected. Again thank you and have a lovely evening