Help appreciated

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Not sure what to put this under , I'm 18 pregnant ,25 weeks , was living with my boyfriend who was older than me but wasn't grown up enough so now I live with my parents , I'm on universal credit as I didn't have a job when I fell pregnant and I get £290 a month I'm just wondering if there's anything else I can claim to cover the cost of a baby , I'm trying to get my own flat but don't want to if I'm going to be struggling , I tried looking online and it's so confusing for me . Can anyone please help it would be appreciated so much

Hi OP, you can phone the Citizens Advice Bureau, they have a dedicated helpline for benefits enquiries. You can also use an online benefits calculator such as entitledto- Google it.

Are you going to be getting child maintenance from the father? If he is named on the birth certificate he has a responsibility to pay you maintenance and you can pursue this legally if he refuses - you can make a claim on the CMS website but it can take a while so worth pursuing now.

You will also get child benefit which I believe is about 80 quid a month - apply via govt website once baby is born.

Finally you are likely to receive a lot more UC if you are renting alone.

Good luck!

Finally you are likely to receive a lot more UC if you are renting alone

I'd double check that with your local CAB. Isn't there an age restriction on what was Housing Benefit?

@Chocolatebuttercream thank you so much for the fast response , can I also ask if when the baby is born will I get a extra amount on universal credit as that's what Iv read but haven't been able to confirm it , and I'm not sure if he will paying anything , he doesn't seem to want to work or grow up , I had my job from when I was 16 to December last year and had to leave due to been treaded so unfair so it's been a struggle even though I put every effort in to getting a new one so the money situation is just stressing me out as I want to do the best I can for baby but dont want us to struggle to much

Hey claim the sure start grant you receive £500 one off I'm waiting for mine to come through you need midwife to fill in a form for you xx

@ann122 hi thanks , my grandma got me a form for this but I was just unsure wether I could claim it cos it says I wouldn't be eligible if there's another child living in the house hold even though she is my sister and not mine

@ann122 I tried to find out online but couldn't xx

OP I'm afraid I'm not sure, as I don't have personal experience of benefits. I would recommend phoning the CAB who can give you personalised information, it's a charity so their help is free

Apply and see what happens, that's what I'd suggest if you claim universal credit you should be entitled especially if it your first baby xx

Talk to your midwife as well there are grants for things like milk and vegetables I think to help you eat healthy in your pregnancy.
Also look at local baby banks and charities, lots do free or very cheap baby items. If you feel
Comfortable posting a rough region/area where you are posters might know of local support too