Is Claiming MAT B1 a public fund?

[Alexiam]

Hello

I have been a silent follower and really appreciate the assistance that you provide through this forum.

The situation on hand is mainly for my wife. She is currently a tier 1 dependant (post July 2012) who has been working part time on a contract and earning a monthly wage which does not incur any tax.

Her contract is expiring next month at the same time she is due to start her maternity leave. Her employer mentioned due to termination of contract, she won't qualify for maternity benefits through them but given the length of time she has been there, she will qualify for statutory benefit through submitting a MAT B1 form.

My question is three fold:

- will claiming statutory benefit affect her visa extension due in Sept 2014?
- if yes, how will hmrc know about her claiming this benefit as she was a non-tax and NI payer
- I am due for ILR in Sept 2014, will this affect my application

Look forward to your reply

Alex

[Amber]

Benefits not considered as public funds under the Immigration Rules include:

 Contribution based jobseeker's allowance
 Guardian’s allowance
 Incapacity benefit
 Contribution-based employment and support allowance (ESA)
 Maternity allowance
 Retirement pension
 Statutory maternity pay
 Statutory sickness pay
 Widow’s benefit and bereavement benefit.