How will I cope?!

[expecting09]

I'm moving into a council house next week, and going to see the benefits advisor then so I guess I can talk to her. But all I've been thinking about is how Im going to cope.

Im 18 weeks pregnant, with no job, currently on JSA. I'm guessing I'll be getting all my rent paid for by housing benefit, and some of my council tax.. will I have to pay for all the bills/food with my JSA?! As its only £50 a week, and I'm sure thats not enough.

All these benefits and things are so confusing. Can anyone help? set my mind at ease before I see the benefits lady

 

[Katieeeee]

I'm in exactly the same situation! xx

 

[ricschick]

you will get your housing and council tax paid fully you obviously wont be intitled to child benefit and child tax credit until baby is born so i think that is all your intitled to until then. you can get a maternity grant when your nearer the birth date which is £500 and you dont have to pay it back.x

 

[Jemma_x]

when you get to 29 weeks you can claim income support

 

[Sarahkka]

I don't know anything about your benefits situation over in the UK, but it might make you feel better to look up some money-saving tips? It's really stressful to be on a tight budget, but there are some people out there that have made an Olympic sport out of stretching a dollar! It might be a small thing you can do that makes you feel like you have a bit more control over the situation?
The ones I know are all in North America, but they're a great place to start.
You could try tightwad gazette, frugal mom (she's very religious, but she does have some good tips), til debt do us part, and a few others. Or try some of those coupon sites to see how much you can save on groceries, etc?
I know this doesn't solve your problem, but it might make you feel a little less panicked about the money crunch?
Good luck!

 

[purpledahlia]

you cant be on JSA AND income support, the JSA changes when your 29 weeks to income support which is a tad more and weekly i think?? plus the 500 grant and the 190 grant,