Public funds

[Superzing]

Hello - Back in 2017 my spouse visa application was rejected as they claimed public funds (by mistake) for our child (DLA), when not entitled. The claimed amount was repaid immediately and this is acknowledged by DWP in a letter as well. Visa was also granted straight after.
In 2022, Spouse received ILR on the 10 year long residence route. They have now completed more than 2 years in ILR and would like to apply for Naturalization, would they incident in 2017 lead to rejection? Please advise. Thanks very much

[contorted_svy]

Read the good character guidance page 39

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... racter.pdf

Fraud in relation to public funds
An application must not be refused simply because the person is reliant on public
funds.
However, an applicant may be knowingly claiming, or has knowingly claimed, public
funds to which they are not entitled. Where this is the case, the application for
citizenship will normally be refused.
See also non-compliance with immigration requirements where a person may have
failed to comply with the conditions of their leave by accessing public funds when
they were prohibited from doing so.

You have paid the money back and your wife wasn't knowingly claiming public funds to commit fraud - therefore you should be fine. I would disclose this in a letter and attach letter from the DWP to show you returned the money.