17 single and pregnant

keleigh_oliver

im 17 single and 23 week pregnant looking for a home iv only ever seen a midwife once. i dont know anything about benefits other than what people / family/friends have explained i would just like to know what i am entitled to and how i go about it ?

kerry13238

hi welcome try entitledto.co.uk it should give you a idea

clb776

you need to go to the midwife more often, and for scans and things to make sure you and your baby are ok, and entitled to is a great site

TotallyBroke

You normally see a midwife at your Doctors then 4 weeks later you see one at the hospital.
At 23 weeks you should have had 2 scans by now and have a blue folder that contains all your midwife notes.

Go to your Dr and ask what is going on. They should be monitoring baby heartbeat and also measuring your bump to see that things are growing normally.

As for housing not sure what can be done. Some boroughs are bringing back Mum and baby units rather than paying out on expensive flats. Speak to your local housing office and see what they will do.

The only benefit you will be entitled to is Maternity Allowance and the Sure start grants. Find out where your local Sure start is and visit them, they'll help you.

clb776

you will only get maternity allowance if you have worked for a certain amount of weeks in a test period, it would prbaby have to be JSA until the baby comes along when it would become income support.

ultrawomble

You should also get a Health In Pregnancy (HIP) form from 25 weeks and you're also entitled to free NHS prescriptions and NHS dental treatment.

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/953.aspx?CategoryID=54&SubCategoryID=138

As mentioned above, you should have seen a midwife at the 12 and 20 week scans and you should start to see your community midwife soon.

Also, take advantage of the free NHS run ante-natal and breast-feeding classes.

Molly41

There are dedicated midwives for pregnant teenagers and you need to see her asap. Ring or go to the local maternity unit and ask to be put in touch with her. Approach your local housing office at council re accommodation. They will also help you regarding benefits. You need to be proactive for the sake of your own health and that of your baby. Ask for a little bit of help now and they will support you enabling you and baby to have a healthy and positive future x

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

you need to go see you gp imediately so they can arrange a scan to ensure everything is ok with the baby.

Next you need to go see someone from CAB Citizens advice bureaux as they can advice you on which benefits you are entitled to & can actually help you fill in the forms.

I presume you know who the father is & even if he doesn't want to be part of the childs upbringing he waill still be financially responible for it.

Stop worrying & find out your rights this will be better for you & your baby.

Good luck.

Indie_Kid

Breast_Cancer_Survivor wrote: »

I presume you know who the father is & even if he doesn't want to be part of the childs upbringing he waill still be financially responible for it.

If she does this, benefits won't be affected.

tronski

Please make sure you go and see a doctor or midwife asap. You should have had a booking appointment at around 10 weeks where they take all your details and medical history. A scan at 12 weeks and another at 20 weeks. Plus extra midwife appts at 16 weeks and 22 weeks ish.

You will get the HIP grant of £190 but need to see your midwife to get the forms for it. Go to your local council and explain your housing situation. Would you be able to stay with family for a while? Not ideal but it may help you for now. Is the Dad around and/or being supportive? x

Oldernotwiser

If you're still in education or planning to return to it, you can get childcare paid for while you study, up to the age of 20, under Care to Learn.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/MoneyToLearn/Caretolearn/DG_066973