Would claiming benefit affects naturalisation?

roseleigh · Post by **roseleigh** » Wed Feb 15, 2012 11:17 pm

I am totally broke now. Currently in full-time education (access to HE), a very demanding course. I want to concentrate in studying now so I can get good grades in order to get in to a better university this autumn.

Can I claim benefits? I have ILR through spousal visa (I'm going through the divorce procedure right now but husband refused to pay maintenance despite the court orders him to). I cannot apply Child benefit since I do not have children.

I am worried if I applied benefits that it might affect the chance to get naturalisation in the future. Could anyone tell me if it is the case?

Thanks in advance.

Post by **vinny** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 12:05 am

Should be okay.

doubletrouble · Post by **doubletrouble** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 8:04 am

With an ILR did you have any reasons to believe you couldn't?

chocho · Post by **chocho** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:59 am

BC application not affected

roseleigh · Post by **roseleigh** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 3:36 pm

Thanks for all answering my question.

But I still have a problem. I do not know what kind of benefits I can apply for. JSA is not suitable since I do not have the time and also not in the mood trying to find work due to studying and the stress caused from the divorce (still on going which needs me to prepare documents...). House benefit is a no since I own the flat (but cannot rent out a room since the bathroom hot water is broken and have no money to fix it).

What else benefit can I apply for?

Post by **Casa** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 3:58 pm

Check with your local Citizens Advice centre (CAB)

roseleigh · Post by **roseleigh** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:05 pm

Checked with jobcentre. I cannot get any benefit. Since I never worked before, I cannot get one kind of benefit called contribution based.

Checked with council, since I am a full-time student, I cannot get house benefit except excemption from paying council tax.

So here is the list:
1. contribution based: no
2. Jobseeker's allowance: no, becasue I have to study.
3. Income support: no
4. House benefit: no
5. council tax: yes, but it is just one bill less to pay, I still need to pay housing, food and bills!

zheni · Post by **zheni** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:45 pm

The only thing that I can think of is to apply for a grant with Student Finance as you mentioned that you will be going to uni. I am assuming that having ILR you will be eligible for Student Finance and for the requirement to have been in the UK for 3yrs before the start of your course.
With the changes to the tuition fees perhaps there will be some changes to the grant's system as well. Apart from that I know that some (or maybe all) unis offer hardship grant and bursaries which are based again as the grant on means tests. On general information for Student Finance go to direct.gov

Apart from that I have no idea what benefits you could get.

SoHopeful · Post by **SoHopeful** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:10 pm

Unfortunately your only option is to work. I know what it's like juggling studies and employment, but it's the only way to meet your living costs.

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Would claiming benefit affects naturalisation?

Would claiming benefit affects naturalisation?