@Jasmine thanks for your reply! I didn't think I would be entitled to UC as we don't rent but have a mortgage instead, and also didn't think I can apply while I'm getting SMP as that counts as income? Would you suggest I apply after the SMP's stop? 🤔
You get various entitlements from UC, housing is just one of them. SMP does count as income, but I still got UC while on SMP and I still get it now that I'm working, but I'm a single mum. If you live with your partner and he is working you're less likely to be entitled to anything I'm afraid, but you could do an online calculator to see if you can get anything :) https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
@Jasmine yeah that's the other problem, I do live with him and he's not on a low income (not high either but I guess they'd consider it sufficient when it really isn't to be the sole income and cover everything these days 😫). Thanks for all your help anyway, I'll look into it!
Incog You an get UC while on SMP but like you said if his on a 'decent' income then you wouldn't be allowed UC I would apply anyway if I were you the worse they can say is no But if they can offer you money (even if its £1 per month) thrn you can apply for council tax reduction , healthy start and other benefits etc
@Emma yeah that's a good point I suppose there's no harm in trying. At the very least maybe ill apply when SMP stops in 2 or so months as then I won't have that "income" so hopefully will be more likely to get accepted. Thanks!
Job seekers allowance isn't a thing anymore. You wanna apply for universal credit, and they won't even expect you to start looking for a job until your baby is 3 years old. They also pay up to 85% of childcare fees if you are working too which you can use in conjunction with the 15 hours.