Photocopies or originals with MN1

Hello,

I am applying for my son's BC using MN1 form. Do I need to send the original BRP cards (mine and my wife's) or just photocopies enough? The reason is, I have to apply for child benefit using CH2 and it clearly mentions that they won't accept photocopies. I tried contacting Nationality Checking Service but earliest appointment is in March.

I have got extra 2 birth certificates (not photocopies) from city council by paying £10 for each. Now I have

1. Original Birth certificate
2. Original Marriage certificate
3. BRP photocopies.

are these enough? Please advise. Thanks in advance.

ramtheconqueror wrote:Hello,

I am applying for my son's BC using MN1 form. Do I need to send the original BRP cards (mine and my wife's) or just photocopies enough? The reason is, I have to apply for child benefit using CH2 and it clearly mentions that they won't accept photocopies. I tried contacting Nationality Checking Service but earliest appointment is in March.

I have got extra 2 birth certificates (not photocopies) from city council by paying £10 for each. Now I have

1. Original Birth certificate
2. Original Marriage certificate
3. BRP photocopies.

are these enough? Please advise. Thanks in advance.

You don't have to send original BRP or passport if you apply for benefits after 30 days of getting ILR.
You'll need to send originals to HO. Why dont you try another council for NCS?

Also it might help to know that child benefits can be back dated upto 3 months so one option may to apply for child benefit later.

zeusmagnanimous wrote:Also it might help to know that child benefits can be back dated upto 3 months so one option may to apply for child benefit later.

That has now been changed to 30 days. Plus, child is only entitled to benefit after the parents have been granted ILR so if they try to claim from a date when ILR wasn't granted, that will be considered as benefit fraud.

Thanks akhurshid.

I've never thought about this actually. I will wait for 3 months before applying for child benefit. I don't want to take risk for that extra £100+ .

Thanks again.

ramtheconqueror wrote:Thanks akhurshid.

I've never thought about this actually. I will wait for 3 months before applying for child benefit. I don't want to take risk for that extra £100+ .

Thanks again.

I just double checked and you can actually back date child benefit to 3 months.
For tax credits it one month.

You can also ask neighbouring councils for NCS appointments if they have anything earlier. It doesn't have to be your local council.