Pregnant and Single

Hi!
I am wondering if there is anyone one out there who can advise me on where to go from here. I am single and pregnant. I work for the goverment on a part time basis. What am I entitled to as a Single Mum? I have no idea. Glad about baby but worried about how I will cope financially as I barely stay afloat as is. Are there any organisations that could help? Also I dont have a place of my ownand will have to move before the baby is born as i am sharing right now.

PLEASE HELP!

If you check out www.treoir.ie - it is an organisation for unmarried parents - they should give you some info and they may also be able to offer further advice.

A couple more links for you.

www.welfare.ie (to see what your entitlements might be)
www.solo.ie (a support website for one-parent families)

There may also be a Single Parent Group in your area which would be a useful contact. You could call into your local Health Centre who may have information on a group.
You could also have a talk to the social workers in the maternity hospital when you visit - they can be a mine of information and can talk you through your options.
Good luck!

Yes, thankfully there is alot of quality help available. It can be helpful to phone citizens advice as talking to someone live can be easier in the first instance when information gathering and then go over data on the website. Options and Cura (no. in phone book) can give you advice on the practical and emotional issues. Present yourself to the local council now and go on the housing list, after you have had your baby you should inform them (as you will go further up the list). Hope some of this helps.

www.gingerbread.ie and www.rollercoaster.ie might also be worth checking.

Talk to your local Public Health Nurse too - we found them great for general advice and referrals.

There may be someone in the hospital that is available to let you know about what's available. Possibly grants towards maternity clothing and other items, even prior to when baby is born. You may also get a cot from social welfare officer or health nurse or possibly a grant. Health nurse may provide baby powder - even if you plan on breastfeeding, take any baby food offered as you may be able to use it later.. it can certainly add up! For breastfeeding, there's usually tonnes of support when you're in the hospital and some hospitals have clinics that you can attend afterwards if you've any concerns or questions. You may be eligible for the lone parents allowance (or whatever it's called) and possibly family income supplement if you return to work. Think you have to work 20 hours or more per week for that and they take into account childcare costs etc. Do you have a medical card? Baby should be covered on that as well, even before name has been added - but double check that. If not, see if you may qualify.
There may also be a tax break avaiable if you are working - check with revenue on that.
During the pregnancy you can avail of free ante-natal care. Shared care with a GP may be available, but don't be pushed into that if it doesn't suit, as I don't think it's mandatory.
Best of luck with the pregnancy !