Housing Benefit: Pregnant Women - Parliamentary Written Answer

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions at what point single pregnant women become entitled to the single room rate of housing benefit rather than the shared room rate; and if he will make a statement.
Steve Webb: Pregnant single women under 25 are entitled to the shared accommodation rate until they give birth, at which point they become entitled to the two bedroom rate of local housing allowance. If a woman in these circumstances chooses to move into larger accommodation before the birth of her child she will need to meet the rent shortfall from other income or she could apply to her local authority to be considered for a discretionary housing payment.