Hi
Nobody seems to have got back to you yet, and I'm no expert, but does your visa say 'no recourse to public funds'?
If it does, then I guess there's your answer. Once you get ILR, it seems, you'll be able to claim benefits, but before then, if your HSMP visa clearly states no public funds, then I'm guessing that they won't allow it. This is all I can find for you...
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/while ... blicfunds/
Looks like you've been in breach of your visa, but please don't quote me on it, because I'm no expert. I'm going purely on the guidance above.
I'd suggest maybe contacting a legal advisor if you can't wait any longer on here for an answer
Good luck!
Lindsay