Housing when you're pregnant

If you’re pregnant and homeless, or if you'll soon have to leave your home because of pregnancy, the council must give you somewhere to stay.

You could get priority on social housing lists if your home is overcrowded or unsuitable for your needs.

Being evicted while pregnant

You cannot be evicted for getting pregnant or having a child.

If your landlord wants you to leave for a different reason, they must follow a strict legal process.

You can ask a court or tribunal to stop the eviction. They must consider how eviction would affect you.

Check our advice:

• if the council or a housing association is trying to evict you

• if a private landlord is trying to evict you

The council must give you advice if it’s likely you’ll have to leave your home within the next 2 months. They should try to help you prevent the eviction.

Becoming homeless while pregnant

Make a homeless application to the council. They should give you emergency accommodation on the day you need it.

Tell the council you're pregnant, as this affects the type of accommodation you can stay in. You might need to show proof of your pregnancy.

You do not have to be living on the streets to be homeless. You could be homeless if you have nowhere safe to stay while you’re pregnant or when your baby is born. For example, if:

• you're experiencing domestic abuse, violence or threats in your home or local area

• your home is harming your health or mental health – for example, because of repair problems

• your partner or other family member cannot live with you in your home

• you cannot afford to pay your rent or mortgage without giving up essentials like food or heating

You also count as homeless if you do not have a legal right to stay in your home. For example, if:

• you live with your parents and they want to you to leave

• you’re staying temporarily with friends or relatives

• you’re staying in a hostel or refuge

Getting council housing when you're pregnant

Even if you’re not homeless, you could get priority on social housing waiting lists. Social housing is rented out by councils and housing associations.

The waiting time depends on your housing needs and where you're applying.

Each council or housing association has its own rules about who gets priority. This is called the allocations policy. Check the policy before you apply.

In your application, explain all the reasons you need to move to make sure you get the right priority.

Check our advice on applying for social housing.

If you already rent from the council or a housing association, you could:

• apply for a transfer to a larger home

• exchange your home with another tenant

If your home is overcrowded

There are rules about how many people can live in a home, depending on the number and size of the rooms.

Having a baby will not make your home overcrowded by law because children under 1 are not counted in the legal rules.

Some councils and housing associations have their own overcrowding policies. This means you could get priority even if your home is not overcrowded by law.

If your home is overcrowded and it's a risk to your health while you're pregnant, you could get homeless help.

Check our advice on overcrowding in your home.

Get help with work and money

If you’re in work, you’re usually entitled to some benefits during your pregnancy and after your child is born. Use GOV.UK’s tools to check:

• what maternity benefits you're entitled to

• if you and your co-parent could get Shared Parental Leave

It’s illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because you’re pregnant. If you’re having problems at work, contact Citizens Advice.

Check what benefits and grants you could get

Having a baby could affect your benefits entitlement. To check what benefits you could get, use the Turn2Us benefits calculator.

You could also apply for:

• Discretionary Housing Payment if your benefits do not cover your housing costs

• a Community Care Grant to help pay for furniture, clothes or moving

• a Crisis Grant if you cannot afford essentials in an emergency

Check what other support you can get

For more advice about pregnancy, birth and being a parent, check:

• NHS Inform for guidance on pregnancy, birth and your health

• National Childbirth Trust for courses, activities and meetups for new parents

• One Parent Families Scotland for advice and support for single parents

• Mind for advice on your mental health during and after pregnancy

If you need extra support during pregnancy, talk to your GP, health visitor or midwife. They can tell you about services in your local area.