What benefits can I get when my baby arrives?

Once you are within 11 weeks of your due date, or if your pregnancy makes you incapable of work at any time, then you should be able to claim Income Support. This will pay the same amount as JSA, but will mean that you won’t have to fulfil all the jobseeker’s conditions for a while and will be able to focus on your pregnancy.

Once your baby is born, then as long as you are still receiving a means-tested benefit such as Income Support, and if he or she is the only child under 16 in the house, you’ll be able to claim a £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant to help with the various costs of having a new baby. Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for a claim form, or print an SF100 form online.

There are also some small local charities that provide expecting and new mothers with essentials like clothes and baby equipment. What’s available depends on where you live, but your midwife or GP might well have details.

You’ll also be able to claim Child Benefit for your baby – £20.30 a week for the eldest or only child, and £13.40 a week for any additional children.

It’s worth double-checking that you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to. You can get an idea using this online benefits calculator. If you want a full benefits check, or need any other advice or help with claiming, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), taking all the relevant documents about your income, savings and housing situation.

You might also want to look at the website Netmums, which has lots of information on having a new baby, and an active community who can be a really good source of advice. They also have various offers to help your money go further.