Worried about housing during pregnancy

[Sammytoby]

Hi everyone,
I’m 20 years old and currently pregnant, due early December. My parents have made it clear that I won’t be able to stay at home with the baby, which I understand, but I’m panicking about what to do next.
I’ve applied for council housing but I don’t really know anyone who’s been through the process, so I’m feeling quite alone and unsure about what to expect or how likely it is that I’ll get something in time.
Private rent around me is so expensive—I don’t think I could afford it once I’m on maternity leave, even with help like Universal Credit.
Has anyone been in a similar position? Or does anyone have advice about the council housing process—like how long it might take, what the priority system is, and what sort of support I might be able to get?
Any kind advice or knowledge would be really appreciated.
Thanks so much ❤️

I got a council house a few years ago quite quickly, it was a new build quite rural so I don't think there was a lot of interest. I wasn't any sort of priority. It'll depend more on how many available there is near you and how many people are waiting. You should know where you are on the priority list? You get a band I think it's called, have you got this? And assuming you've told them you're expecting? This will prioritise you

Not yet I applied a couple months ago and they asked for proof of my due date which I sent Thursday last week after my repeat 12 week scan, just waiting to hear back from them hopefully this week, I’m quite hopeful as there are a lot of new build estates being built near me and have heard a fair few of them are for housing purposes. Just hoping I can hear back soon with any update.

You can ring your housing officer for an update and to ask where you are on the priority list. You may find that they aren't particularly proactive until the baby is here particularly if you're deemed to be 'suitably housed' in the mean time (ie you're living with parents who have said you can't stay AFTER the baby, the housing policy would be that you're not in that position yet)
Hopefully your housing officer can give you an update but do be aware that lists and waiting times can be long.

What are your partner’s living/working circumstances.

Cam you say roughly what area you are ?

Mid Devon

Oh and your housing department can also use a system whereby they direct you to private renting and offer to pay the deposit etc, like a 'bond' depends on affordability checks, individual earnings and circumstances, whether you have a partner and what they're circumstances are

Ah I don't know much about Devon area. Try and look up their allocations policy. It can be very complicated though.

With my council in London if you live with family and are pregnant or having a child. Then the parent has to write a letter saying you can no longer stay there from x date.

Just a thought would it be better if your parents done it before baby comes along? I'm just thinking if you done it before baby was born you would be in some form of accommodation . But if you leave it till after your going to have take baby to council with all your stuff. All babys stuff etc. It it would be a struggle

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking, I’m not due till the 3rd of December so have a little while until I have to be out and I’m glad I’ve applied early, I’m thinking I’ll give them a call tomorrow for an update as this has all be done so far over email and see if they need me to send over a letter from my mum.
from what I’ve read so far I think I’d be band 2/3

You definitely need to know what they have decided their 'duty' is. At the moment you're not homeless etc so you don't have a 'housing need' apologises if this sounds blunt but housing criteria is very black and white and they'll want to check that you're not making yourself intentionally homeless etc.