If you are pregnant there are a range of benefits you can claim.Depending on your circumstances should be able to claim either Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance, Income Support or Incapacity Benefit.

Statutory Maternity Pay

If you have been working for the same employer for at least 26 weeks and paying National Insurance you can get Statutory Maternity Pay. This is available from your employer from 15 weeks before your baby is due, for a period of 39 weeks. You should contact your employer as soon as possible when you are pregnant to arrange for this payment.

Maternity Allowance

If you have been working but do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay you can claim Maternity Allowance from the government. For example if you have recently resigned from your job to have your baby or your earnings have not been high enough to pay National Insurance. You must have been earning at least £30 a week on average and have been working for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before you are due to give birth, even for different employers or self employed work.The amount of Maternity Allowance you can expect is either 90 per cent of your average earnings or £108.85 a week, whichever is lower. If someone looks after your children while you are having a baby you can claim an additional amount, if that person is on a low income.The period of the benefit is essentially the same as Statutory Maternity Pay above.Further details from here or contact your local benefits office.