How to get help if you’re under 18, pregnant and homeless

To be under 18 and discover you’re pregnant with nowhere to live can be pretty scary, and you’re wondering what to do for the best. But you’re not alone. Last year the number of pregnant women facing homelessness was higher than ever before.

That mightn’t seem like much of a consolation, but it means there’s lots of information already in place on the kind of support that’s available for you, what your options are, and the services available to help ensure the health and well-being of both yourself and your unborn child.

Your housing options if you’re homeless and pregnant.

The first thing to know is that as a pregnant woman you have an automatic priority need for homelessness assistance, regardless of the length of time that you have been pregnant.

This priority can be proved to the local authority with a doctor or midwife’s letter confirming the pregnancy.

If you are currently homeless or are facing homelessness within the next eight weeks – including if you have received a valid 21 notice from your landlord – you should make an application for homelessness assistance to your local council.

Charitable organisations, including YMCA, will be able to help you with this.

You may need to include evidence of your pregnancy in your application. Your midwife, GP or other healthcare professional can provide this.

The council will then assess your housing needs to appreciate why you are facing homelessness, what housing is suitable for you, and what support you may need.

If you are under 18, the council will also refer you for a social services assessment.

You’ll be given temporary housing while the council assess your application, which could be a hostel or B&B. This might not actually be in your borough, and if you turn it down the council might not be able to provide further help.

Depending on your personal circumstances you may also qualify for longer-term council housing.

Benefits you’re entitled to when you’re pregnant

There are several different types of benefits and financial support options available to pregnant women.

If you’re not working, you can make a claim online for Universal Credit when you’re pregnant.

You can also apply online for a Sure Start Maternity Grant, a one-off payment of £500 from the Social Fund to help cover the cost of your first child.

Besides Universal Credit, you can also usually claim housing benefit to help with rent payments – even if you are in a type of supported or emergency housing. And If you’re struggling to pay rent, you may also be entitled to a discretionary housing payment (DHP) from your local council.

Other financial support available to pregnant women:

If you’re under 18 and pregnant you can get free NHS dental care and free prescriptions.

If you are on Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or other benefits, and are 10 weeks pregnant, you’re also entitled to Healthy Start Food vouchers that can be used for free milk, fruit, vegetables and vitamins.

Your midwife or other healthcare professional can arrange these vouchers for you.

Getting midwife services when pregnant and homeless.

NHS guidelines say that GP practices are not allowed to refuse you access to services for being homeless or having no proof of address.

If they’re accepting new patients, you have a right to register. Tell them you have no fixed address, or are in temporary accommodation in the area. Support workers should be able to help you with this process.

You can get antenatal care by booking an appointment with a GP or contacting maternity services directly. Contact your local council to find your nearest Children’s Centre for midwifery services in your area.

This care will include two pregnancy ultrasound scans, antenatal screening tests, blood tests and screening for sickle cell and thalassemia. Try to see a midwife by 10 weeks of pregnancy.