Where to get advice and help Working out what benefits and rights you are entitled to and making claims can be complicated. Get help if you need it. Or go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau or other advice centre. Social security offices can be very busy and an advice centre is often the best place to go. Citizens advice bureaux, law centres and other advice agencies will also be able to advise you about your rights at work.
Some local authorities have welfare officers.
Some voluntary organisations offer information and advice on benefits and rights at work, for example, the National Council for One Parent Families and the Maternity Alliance. If you are a member of a trade union, your staff representative or local office should be able to advise you on your maternity rights at work. The Equal Opportunities Commission can advise you if your problem is to do with sex discrimination. Your child also gets free prescriptions until age 16. You will be sent an exemption certificate which lasts until a year after your due date.