I'm temporarily out of commission with sciatica, my wife has been here in the UK for almost 3 months on a spouse visa, still some time before going for Idefinite leave to remain. We're also expecting our first baby in a couple of months. When she came over I was working as a stand in/sessional worker with no contract. Now I'm unable to work and have no income.

Am I entitled to sickness/child benefit?

The "Set M" form asks:

Question 4 . 4: Are you or your spouse or partner receiving any public funds?

If you answered yes to question 4.4, you must tick the box(es) to show which public funds are being

received and by whom. Please note that, under the Immigration Rules, public funds include the following:

Housing and homelessness assistance

Attendance Allowance

Severe Disablement Allowance

Carer’s Allowance

Disability Living Allowance

Income Support

Working Tax Credit

Social Fund payment

Council Tax Benefit

Child Benefit

Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Housing Benefit

State Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit

Am I entitled to sickness/child benefit?

If I personally were to claim a benefit how would this effect my wife's future application for ILR? (Bearing in mind I'll probably be back in work in a couple of months.)

Cheers for any feedback in advance

Your wife is not allowed to claim any benefits until she has ILR, but you can.

You can certainly claim child benefit and sickness benefit.

It will not effect your wife's application for ILR.

Your wife is not allowed to claim any benefits until she has ILR, but you can.

You can certainly claim child benefit and sickness benefit.

It will not effect your wife's application for ILR.

Cheers Gu22

No laxatives for supper tonight then.

See also Public funds leaflet from Public funds.

When your child is born, you will be able to claim Child Tax credits

I held back because I was worried about claiming anything, for the same reasons. But you are claiming, not your wife.

Child Tax credits your wife will need to get a National insurance number, a bit of hassle but worth it.