I don't really know where to start!
I posted something on here a few weeks back but since then i've been to the council and they have told me something that i wasn't aware of. Also been to the job centre and made a claim for Income Support as well as already being on Maternity Allowance.
Anyway, I'm 18 years old and my "boyfriend" is almost 22. We are expecting our first child together, been together for approximately a year and a half and are very much a couple.
He is an overstayer from Nigeria.
He made an application a few years back to remain in the UK on his own, as his mother had been deported and left him here on his own, after bringing him to the UK at the age of 12, overstayed her Visa and failed to tell anybody. However, his application was denied as they decided at the age of 12 "he was able to recognise he was in the UK illegally and should of returned with his mother".
Several months ago his solicitor told us that we should make an application for a certificate of approval and so we filled out an application and gave it to the solicitor. (I'm going to contact her on monday as she's VERY unreliable and still hasn't got in touch with us after numerous phone calls trying to find out what's happening.)
However, after completing the application i decided to open a case with a solicitor regarding benefits/housing as i was completely unsure as to what benefits i could claim etc. and my partner is obviously unable to work without a permit and i'm going to struggle enormously with trying to provide for him, myself and our baby.
He then told me that he does not see any reason why my partner cannot live with me in a house owned by a housing association. I've recently spoken to the council and they have told me that i can have anybody living with me in the house, as long as i do not apply for another house accommodating my partner, for example a bigger house for any other children he may have.
But now i'm concerned about any benefits i'm able/not able to claim. I've been to the Job Centre and i have been completely honest with them. I'm currently claiming Maternity Allowance as i'm on Maternity leave from my part time job.. This works out at 36 pounds per week, so they have suggested i make a claim for Income Support, topping my Income up to 50 per week. I told them about my partner but they have told me not to include him on my claim as we're not currently living together.
They then went through any benefits i'm able to claim when my baby is born, if i'm working 16 hours per week and these include child benefit, working tax credit and child tax credit.. Giving me a weekly income of approximately 200.
They failed to make it clear whether my partner is/is not able to live with me whilst i claim these benefits.
Also, i'm going to have to claim Housing Benefit but i have to go to the council to find out whether i can or not.
Does anybody know whether i am able to?
How will this affect the COA?
Is there anything else that i should be aware of?
- FAQ
- Login
- Register
- Call Workpermit.com for a paid service +44 (0)344-991-9222