Could joint Working Tax Credits claim affect visa renewal?

[Prenda]

My boyfriend is here on a Student Visa, which he is due to renew in November.

I'm a British citizen and have been claiming Working Tax Credits for the last three years. Now we're living together we've made a joint claim, following reassurance from the HMRC's Tax Credits helpline that my boyfriend would not be considered as 'subject to immigration control' for the purposes of Tax Credits.

Looking at the Tier 4 application form that he will have to complete for his renewal we're concerned to see that he has to tick a box to say if he's receiving Working Tax Credits.

Strictly speaking he isn't - I am - but as he's mentioned on the paperwork as my partner I assume he has to tick that is is receiving Working Tax Credits.

There is a box where he can explain any exceptions he believes apply to his case. However we're worried that if he says he's living with his British girlfriend it might prejudice against his application, as it suggests he might have plans to stay here beyond his studies.

Would it be better for me to cancel our claim so he doesn't have to mention it on the form?

Any advice will be very welcome!