Clueless about benefit entitlement

Louise16

Hello, hoping someone can offer a bit of information. I'm due to give birth in about 2 months. I am single, 30 years old and employed. I work 40 hours a week on £7.10 an hour. I have worked in the same job for about 3 years. I will be starting maternity leave soon. Because I'm single I feel im going to have to be very prepared in terms on finances, so I can plan for childcare when I return to work. I am absolutely clueless what I'm entitled to claim.
I understand I can take 9 months off work on SMP and a further 3 months unpaid. What benefits can I claim during those 9 months and also which, if any, during the final 3 months?
When I return to work I plan to reduce hours to 24. Can I top this up with some form of benefit?
I live in Northern Ireland, if that makes any difference. I live alone in a 2 bed council property and pay £62 a week rent and rates.
Any insight would be appreciated. I'm beginning to panic about the next year and how I'm going to afford to live and already worrying about returning to work and if I can afford to drop my hours.
Thanks.

vlad

you could have a play around with a benefits calculator "turn2us" is as good as any