Claiming benefits under my wife name. Will it effect my ILR

Hi there,

I would be greatful if someone could advise me on my situation. I am on Tier 1 visa. Recently got extenstion under Tier 1 General from HSMP. As per present rules, my ILR is due in 03/12.

My question is, my wife is on dependent visa (Tier 1 dependent). Presently she is doing fulltime course. So I am claiming council tax benefit (on student basis) on her name. Will it affect my ILR. The thing is, she still had her maiden name. Her surname is not changed after the marriage.

Another question, I have been unemployed for last 9 months. I was made rdundant in Nov 2008. Till then I dont have employment. Will it affect my ILR. Could someone please advise me on my situation. Though it is a long time to think of ILR, it is better to take some precautionary measures.

Thank you all.
Bunti

bunti716 wrote:Hi there,

I would be greatful if someone could advise me on my situation. I am on Tier 1 visa. Recently got extenstion under Tier 1 General from HSMP. As per present rules, my ILR is due in 03/12.

My question is, my wife is on dependent visa (Tier 1 dependent). Presently she is doing fulltime course. So I am claiming council tax benefit (on student basis) on her name. Will it affect my ILR. The thing is, she still had her maiden name. Her surname is not changed after the marriage.

Another question, I have been unemployed for last 9 months. I was made rdundant in Nov 2008. Till then I dont have employment. Will it affect my ILR. Could someone please advise me on my situation. Though it is a long time to think of ILR, it is better to take some precautionary measures.

Thank you all.
Bunti

The council tax discount you claim is not a benefit because your wife is a student. I assume you are still paying the single person rate of council tax.

Under current rules (no idea what it will be like in 2012), you can have periods of unemployment under HSMP, however it is important to be employed when you do apply for ILR. Good luck, I hope you are able to find a job soon.