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Hi,
Im a new member so please bare with me and if the question im goin to ask has already been discussed then please let me know. I just wanted to ask if anyone would know about benefit entitlement and housing.
Im 22 and recently found out im pregnant, im currently living at home with my parents but have no choice but to move out because theres no room for me and a baby. I also lost my job recently as well so im a bit clueless as to where to go from here really. I worried im goin to struggle financially and the father of the baby doesn't want any involvement so im pretty much on my own. Please could someone point in the right direction on where to go from here.
Thanks.
Hi,
Im not even able to claim jobseekers at the moment because i've still not received the paperwork from my now former employer so im completely skint. Everythings up in the air at the moment and i have been lookin for work but thats a bit of a dead issue because so far no one will take me on because im pregnant!
Thank you for your advice i'll take that on board. All the best :)
Around here all the work seems to be temporary and very part time. It's so difficult.
Best wishes with things though. I hope your parents and friends are being supportive.
Hello March1989
Welcome to One Space.
Sparkling lime has explained things very well, but she is right, it is early days yet. The first thing to do is to get your JSA application sorted and also to make sure you are attending your antenatal care. I do think it is worth approaching the local Housing Office though, and explaining when your baby is due and that your parents will not be able to house you after then...at least you will get your name on the list. Get your parents to do a letter as sparkling says.
Do you know any others in your area who are young parents or pregnant?
Hi March1989. Welcome along, and congratulations on the pregnancy 
Thanks guys really appreciate the feed back and support its comforting to know that you can get it when needed and thanks for the warm welcome :)
With regards to Louise's comment i do have a friend that is the same age and has a young child but she was lucky to have a supportive partner but as you say ill have to sort out what im entitled to at the moment and then think about where to go from there. I know there's probably not a lot that can be done at the moment but its good to know that there is help i can get.
Thank you.
Hi March1989
Congratulations!
If you can, you need to ask your parents to write a letter stating that you need to leave the house. As horrid and as difficult as this sounds, it is a way of the council and housing associations to put you onto a waiting list.
I'm guessing that you're in receipt of job seekers allowance if you're not working.
Once the baby is born, you will be able to make a claim for income support, which will also entitle you to housing and council tax benefits. Do keep in mind though that a lot of councils are now capping the amount of benefits they pay for or towards rent.
As for the father. Whether he wants to be involved or not, he will still be responsible for the child, and you will be able to put a claim in for this via the CSA.
Personally, I do feel that you need to be closer to your due date before things can be put into place.