Child benefit incorrectly claimed - PBS Dependant applicatio

[PR1116]

Hi all,

My husband and I are in the UK since Mar, 2008. We came here on WP, but got our Tier 1 approved in Apr, 2010. My husband is the main applicant and I am his dependant. We had a baby in Aug 2012, and wish to apply for his Dependant visa now to enable us to travel to India in Dec. when the baby was born, we unknowingly applied for child benefit on the advise of our health visitor. We realised our mistake and got it cancelled within a month, we received a letter from HMRC that the child benefit has been cancelled, and the one month's benefit that was paid to us by mistake (Aug'12), an amount of GBP80 need not be refunded.

As part of the PBS dependant form, there is a question on public funds. So, do we mark that as a 'No', or do we say 'Yes' and provide and explanation in a cover letter, along with the letter from HMRC? We have a PEO appointment in Croydon on Monday, so your urgent advise is appreciated.

We will be applying for our ILR in Mar'12, and don't want this to create any problems for us. My question is:

1. What should our response on the PBS dependant application form
2. If we say 'No', will this be a problem when we apply for our ILR

Strictly speaking, there is no mention of NI no. etc. (under which we had applied for child benefit), so unless we specify ourselves...in effect, opening a can of worms, or should we say 'No' discretely..since the child benefit is a closed matter now anyway..? Please advise....

[geriatrix]

1. IIRC, the question asked is in "present tense". So answer the question accordingly.
2. Write a covering letter explaining the benefit was claimed due to ignorance and has now been cancelled.
3. Include copy of confirmation from HMRC - stating that the benefit payments stand cancelled and the money owed need not be paid back.

If there is a question that asks if the applicant has ever claimed benefit in the past, answer it honestly.