child benefit

[titchforsythe]

Can someone help please. My stepson is a uk national, he was born here. His wife and daughter have just joined them in the uk from America. His wife is only allowed here for 6 months as a visitor. Does anyone know what benefits my stepson can claim for their daughter. She has an American birth certificate. Thanks

[Amber]

I gather the child is British? If so, possibly, child benefit and tax credits. Is the wife going back to the US and then applying for a spouse visa?

[titchforsythe]

Thanks for the quick reply. I don't mean to sound silly but I don't know what an undertaking is lol. As far as i'm aware, his wife has just flown in and been told shes allowed to stay for 6 months and I assume its the same for his daughter as she used a u.s passport aswell

[Amber]

Thanks for the quick reply. I don't mean to sound silly but I don't know what an undertaking is lol. As far as i'm aware, his wife has just flown in and been told shes allowed to stay for 6 months and I assume its the same for his daughter as she used a u.s passport aswell

If your step-son is British otherwise than by descent then the child will be British (and a US citizen if born in the US).

[titchforsythe]

does that mean he can claim benefits? He was just a bit worried about claiming them because of his wifes status

[Amber]

does that mean he can claim benefits? He was just a bit worried about claiming them because of his wifes status

He could claim child benefit for the child in his name. And he should be able to claim tax credits but may have issues with the HMRC. I suggest he takes a visit to his local citizens advice bureau.