Citizenship - Spouse of Irish

Hi everyone. Just looking for advice. I will be eligible to apply for citizenship in the next few months (stamp 4, Irish wife, 2 Irish children). My question is, in the form it asks if I have ever received social welfare payments. I don’t get any SW payment except for child benefit. But my husband is in receipt of Working Family Payment and obviously I’m a qualified adult in it. Should I tick yes (that I receive SW payment)? Or should I make a cover letter explaining our situation? One of our children has special needs and I’m her primary carer (not receiving any SW payment for this). Should I mention these details or will it hurt my application? Thank you so much in advance.

Hi - You will need to disclose the child benefit payments in this question any way. I had asked a lawyer about this question and was told that child benefit payments need to be included in the application under this question. I think you should also include a cover letter explaining the other matter as well. I think it's better to give all relevant information at the time of application.

Thank you for your reply iamok. I’ve always thought that child benefit is not a Social Welfare payment as it is paid to all children living in Ireland?

Yes, I thought the same and that's why I clarified with a lawyer who told me to include it. He said it's better to disclose it. Some other people on this forum may have a different view on this but I followed the advice of the lawyer to be on the safe side.

Yes, that makes complete sense. Thank you for your advice. Do you mind me asking, was your application successful? Thank you.

I got my own Irish citizenship in 2017 but my wife is waiting for over 2 years now. I don't think the child benefits question is affecting her application though.

Thank you so much. I didn’t think it would take that long but I hope you get an answer soon. Thank you again.