If you're a single parent and not working...

What if the father stops paying maintenance?
You can choose to have the maintenance paid directly to you, through someone else (a relative, for example), or through the Child Support Agency. If you are receiving Income Support it is probably a good idea to ask for the maintenance to be paid directly from the Child Support Agency to your social security office, because if the father stopped making maintenance payments for any reason you would still be paid your full benefit. If the maintenance is paid directly to you or through someone else and the father stops making payments, the Child Support Agency can take action against him, such as taking the money straight out of his wages.

Will I have to pay my rent and Council Tax out of the weekly Income Support?
No, you can apply for Housing Benefit to help with most or all of your rent. You will be eligible for maximum Housing Benefit but this may not be the same as the rent you actually pay - it depends on average rents in the area, your age and family size. While you are pregnant, if you are under 25 the amount is based on the rent you would pay for a room in a shared house but if you are 25 or over it is based on being in your own flat. Once you have had your baby and become a single parent the amount is based on being in your own flat even if you are under 25.