Please help, single and pregnant, needing advice

[Claire03x]

Hi, I have found myself 5 weeks pregnant unexpectedly after a short relationship ended last month.
I am 32 years old and already have a 13 year old son.

I live alone and rent the property I'm in.
I work full time in a decent paid job, but as many will know life is still a bit of a struggle especially at the moment with the cost of living and everything going up!

I am trying to think practically about whether I can realistically afford this baby. I have to assume that I will have no help from the father too.
I am terrified about whether I can afford maternity leave as I will only be entitled to SMP after 6 weeks. Will I be entitled to UC?
I have a decision to make and unfortunately little time to make it 😞

I would appreciate any advice please.
Thank you

It doesn't sound like you have good father material there. In these circumstances I would terminate. You already have a child who is a teenager. I'd be looking forward to some freedom in your circumstances and not taking on a baby where you will be doing everything on your own and scraping by for money

Found myself in a similar position not long ago.
Single, working part time and already have 4 kids at home (aged 8-19 yrs).
I booked a termination, then backed out at the last minute.
I'll wing it somehow I hope!
But it's a decision only you can make, either decision won't be easy I'm sure. Do you have a support network? Family, friends etc?
I hope everything works out for you, whichever way you choose.
As for UC, on smp I would have thought you'd be entitled to it, it's worth doing a calculator to check.

@Blueborage I think father will be involved as much as possible, but I want to think of worst case scenario that he won't be, if that makes sense.

@Kladebs it's nice to know I'm not alone. You have the 4 already so you'll be great! I feel like it's been such a long time since I had my son, I've forgotten how hard it is!
Thanks for the message, and good luck to you

Yes you can get UC on maternity leave. You’ll manage and do great x

Yes, you can apply for UC.

depending on your current income it may be a shock to your system but it will help.