im due to have my baby in june

[jelisa]

can anyone tell me - when i leave work and get smp - can i then claim housing benefit - i will only be getting 108 pounds per week - and i cant pay the rent - the reason im confused is that someone told me that you had to be on a benefit before you are entitled to housing benefit - im scared i wont be able to cope with no money to pay the rent - anyone help pls

[redcrx]

I dont think that you can get housing benefit unless you are on job seekers allowance. You are still classed as having employment as you are choosing to take maternity leave. You may be entitled to family and/or working tax credits which may help the situation.
Failing that, you may need to consider returning to work after 6 weeks (at 90% pay).