im worried about having this baby

[scare85]

hi
i just found out im pregnant... im 22 and the father is nowhere to be seen... im so worried about being able to afford to have this baby. is there any help i can get ive never not been out of work and ive got a job at the moment but i want to take a year off after i have the baby but im worried i just cant afford to do it... i currently live with my grandad n plan on movin out but i just cant afford anywhere on my own with a babycan anyone help and give me advice please.
thankyou

Can't really offer help or advice but just wanted to wish you luck. Hope everything goes well for you.

Hi scare. I was 21 when I found out I was pregnant, he scarpered, I was living in a student house, no job, no money, my family were miles away. It can be done. I've managed to put myself through Uni (three times now), ds is 9 and a very bright, happy child.

The first thing you need to do is to chat to your Grandad. Will he let you stay? You will be able to get maternity pay from work so you can take time off, as for taking 12 months, I would start to save. You can claim child tax credit and working tax credit after the baby is born, then you can decide whether to move to somewhere else. Take each day at a time, things will work out eventually. Do you have some friends to support you?

scare85, not really any practical advice but assuming you must be due Jan? please come over and join the due in Jan thread in the ante-natal section, you'll get some moral support there if nothing else. And congratulations!

I have never been in that situation and it sounds tough. But many women have and have made it through. I would check out what is available from your employer or government for income support while your baby is born. For example, canada provides weekly payments for one year up to 51% of your current salary. It's not great but means money is comming in while you are home with your baby. I would suggest getting your name on a list for subsidized nursury for when you return to work. Can you stay with Grandad for a while longer until baby is born and you are back at work and baby is settled in childcare? That would make it cheaper for you. I guess you need to think through a plan. As for paying for the baby, everyone thinks you need all this stuff but you don't. And you don't need it new. Go to charity shops and boot sales and get great stuff at good prices. Just my thoughts. Also, do you have any supports, friends, family who will be supportive and helpful to you? And, if dad works, he can be forced to pay child support, don't forget that option either.

You will get a year off work with at the very least, SMP (£110 ish per week) and probably some more from your company. You can also get child tax credits and child benefit, and housing benefit to help you with rent. You will probably also get a surestart maternity grant of £500 after it's born to pay for essentials, depends how much you earn really, but if you are single then unless you earn thousnads you should be eligible.
It won't be easy but I promise you it's manageable! I have friends who have managed. Good luck and congratulations! xxx