Benefits for teenagers who are 16 or 17

During pregnancy: If you are not still at school full time and you can show 'good cause' for not being able to live with your parents, you can claim Job Seeker's Allowance as long as you register for work or work based training at your local Careers Office or JobCentre and it is during your Child Benefit Extension Period.

If you need to claim JSA and it is not during your Child Benefit Extension Period, you should claim JSA on the grounds of severe hardship.It is against the law to treat you differently to others because you are pregnant, so your Careers Service must make the same effort to place you on a training scheme or in a job as they would if you were not pregnant. If you are off sick you may be able to claim IS.You should also claim Housing Benefit.

When you are 29 weeks pregnant you can claim Income Support if you wish. You should ensure that you include reasons why you cannot live with your parents on the Income Support claim form so that you are paid at the higher rate of £42.70 per week.
After the birth: You will be entitled to Child Benefit and Income Support as a single parent totaling £80.75 per week or £90.95 if you can show 'good cause' for not living with your parents. Your benefit may be reduced if you do not give the Child Support Agency information about the father of your child.You will also be entitled to Housing Benefit to pay for your rent and the Sure Start Maternity Grant of £500.