Citizenship - Spouse of Irish

[Irishwife2425]

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.

[iamok]

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.

[Irishwife2425]

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?

[iamok]

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.

[Irishwife2425]

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

[iamok]

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.

[Irishwife2425]

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