Jeopardizing Visa?

[Genuina]

Hello,

I would be very appreciative if someone could answer a couple of questions for me!

Just some back history, and current information that may help.

I am an Australian in a civil partnership with an Italian EEA resident. We both live in the UK and have done so since the end of 2007. I have 1 child who also resides with us. I have a 5 year residency card. We have never claimed any of the available benefits as we were quite sure (as immigration informed us that we could not apply for any benefits) that we were not entitled. We are both working 35 hours a week. We pay private rent.

My first question...

1.)Am I/Are we eligible to safely apply for all/any of these?

* Child tax credit;

* Child benefit;

* Working tax credit;

* Council tax benefit;

* Housing benefit.

When I initially applied for the residency card, the application said that it was a 2 year duration. When I received the card, it said 5 year duration.

2.) Legally, should it have not been dated as from when I applied?

They took ONE WHOLE YEAR to grant me the visa. Could they have been waiting for a rule change before they granted it?

Thank you for taking the time to read my questions!

Have a nice day.