Being unemployed is stressful at any time in your life.
But it is particularly unsettling if you are pregnant.
Here we look at the help that is available for expectant mothers.
What benefits can you claim if you’re pregnant?
Universal Credit
Universal Credit combines many previously separate benefits under one payment, including:
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Working Tax Credit.
How much you receive will depend on your situation.
For example, there are additional payments for childcare costs if you already have children.
However this typically only applies to your first two children. (Exceptions exist in special circumstances, such as multiple births or adoption).
You may also receive additional payments if you need help with housing costs.
And universal credit is still available if you own your own house.
Contribution-based job seeker’s allowance (JSA)
You can claim for contribution-based JSA separately.
You can claim this if you previously paid enough Class 1 National Insurance contributions. But this may impact how much Universal Credit you receive if you apply for that too.
Once your child is born you will be eligible for child benefit. It is £21.05 a week for your first child and £13.95 for any after that.
You receive this for each child. But if you or your partner earns more than £50,000 per year, this amount reduces.
Loans for the unemployed
Unemployed individuals can access various loans.
Lenders consider factors like credit rating, income (including benefits), and outgoings. A poor credit history or lack of stable income makes borrowing difficult.
Loan options include:
- Secured loans (risking assets like a car)
- Personal loans (hard to obtain without a strong financial profile)
- Payday loans (with extremely high interest rates)
- Guarantor loans (requiring a co-signer).
And more.
Contact debt charities for guidance and creditor negotiation if needed.
What other assistance is available?
Healthy Start food vouchers
Through the National Health Service (NHS) you can access Healthy Start food vouchers. These can be swapped for healthy food and drink, such as:
- Milk
- Fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables
- Baby formula milk.
You do not have to apply for this, although you may need to be receiving some benefits to be eligible.
The quality of medical access varies by location. But it should be available wherever you are in the UK.
Vitamin supplements
Free vitamin supplements are also available depending on where you live. Talk to your midwife or health visitor to find out if they’re available in your area.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
You may also be eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant. This is a one off payment of £500 to help with the costs of a newborn baby.
You must claim the grants within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date. Or within six months of the baby’s birth.
Help with housing
Emergency housing
It’s essential to have safe housing when you are pregnant or looking after a newborn.
If you are homeless pregnant your council must provide you with emergency accommodation.
Social housing
You can also apply for social housing.
Each council has different rules about who is eligible. but you may be regarded as a priority if you are pregnant or have children.
Mortgage payments
If you own a home with a mortgage, the first step is to talk to your provider.
They may be able to reduce your repayments by changing your mortgage to interest only. Or by granting you a mortgage holiday.
In some situations, the government will help you with mortgage interest payments.
The Support for Mortgage Interest scheme is a loan that you repay when you sell your home. It is only open to people already receiving certain benefits.
If you haven’t got a mortgage, there are ways to buy a property on your own.
