Benefits for a British Husband and Non British Wife

[ilrupdates]

Hi there,
I would really appreciate if some one can clarify some of my doubts please.
I am a British National and have got little girl who is British also by birth. My wife came from Pakistan on spouse visa which will expire in 2017 and she would apply for the extension of her visa in 2017. she has NOT got ILR and is still Pakistani National , so I am confused that If I claim benefits like Housing benefit, Child tax Credit etc., will it be considered as "recourse to public funds" at the time of my wife's Visa Extension time?

I just want to confirm that my wife would not have any problem for her visa extension because of my these benefits claims as she is NOT ENTITLED FOR BENEFITS YET until she gets her permanent stay in the UK.

[CR001]

You can claim child benefit in YOUR name ONLY.

You MUST claim child tax credits in JOINT names with your wife (this is allowed)

Housing benefit, you need to mention her but she won't be added in the calculation etc and you will likely only receive the single person + child rate (if your earnings are low enough). You need to make it VERY clear to the council that she is subject to immigration control.

[ilrupdates]

Thank you very much CROO1 for your nice and detailed reply.

So when I fill the form for child benefit, I must skip wife's details and put only mine? I'm presuming that if I do this way, then the child benefit will be ONLY in my name. Am I right please?

And when I rang council they asked me to calculate and send form online. While doing so, I mentioned in calculator that wife is under immigration control and I hope it will skip her from from housing benefit claim?

Thanks once again

[CR001]

You need to complete the details that the form asks for (child benefit). But you are the main applicant.

HB - yes should be ok.

[ilrupdates]

I had some rumours about claiming housing benefit. someone told me that even if you are eligible for housing benefit, you should avoid it (but I don't know why should someone avoid HB even if eligible)
the person who told me this story said that you would be okay to claim Child benefit and child tax credit as long as you are eligible as these two benefits do NOT leave any feedback on one's credit history, and try to avoid the HB because that is considered major benefit. I disagreed with him as when its a benefit its a benefit, no minor or major things. He probably wanted to explain that HB even for working personal (and eligible for HB) puts negative feedback oh his/her credit history etc so such person who is on low income can avail CTC and CB but must avoid HB

Please could some one through some light on this rumour.
Thanks

[CR001]

Benefits have nothing to do with credit history!

You can claim if YOU are entitled (i.e. ILR holder/British Citizen).

by CR001 » Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:43 pm

You can claim child benefit in YOUR name ONLY.

You MUST claim child tax credits in JOINT names with your wife (this is allowed)

Housing benefit, you need to mention her but she won't be added in the calculation etc and you will likely only receive the single person + child rate (if your earnings are low enough). You need to make it VERY clear to the council that she is subject to immigration control.