Chlidren

[stevebow]

I have found out today that my wife is pregnant , Without sounding like a scrounger can anyone tell me if we are entitled to claim any benefits (which will not affect our next visa) once the child is born, My wife is here on a 2year settlement visa.

Thanks in advance

Steve and a vomiting Bow

[Mossfinn]

Congrats Steve and Bow.

Yes you can claim benefits, but it will have to be through you and not your partner.

Good Luck

Moss

[the scouser]

Just to add to what Mossfinn has said, specifically you can claim Child Benefit, but in your name as opposed to your wife's. Once your wife has indefinite leave you can if you wish amend the recipient's details to hers.

Furthermore, depending upon your family income, you can apply for Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits. These are considered to be public funds, but because of a quirk in the tax regulations, your wife may be named on a claim for these without it jeopardising her subsequent indefinite leave application.

Scouse.

[vinny]

See also The Pregnancy Book 2007 and Birth to five: 2007 edition.

[Higgins]

What the others have said really. But to add, i'm working full time, and i claim both child benefit and tax credit for my stepson who is here on the dependant settlement visa and for my my son who was born here. The only complication came in that i had to get a national insurance number for my wife in order to claim the tax credits... cos thats a joint claim. The tax credit people arranged an interview for that to happen for us (eventually).

[stevebow]

Thanks for the advice guys, no doubt i will be needing more over the coming months.

Steve