Claiming Child Tax Credit - Spouse Visa

[the_silk_route]

Hi All,

I'm wondering whether anyone could kindly shed some light on something that I have been trying to understand and find out further information on.

My wife is in the UK on a 5 year spouse visa, having arrived in Dec 2014. We successfully applied for and have received the first extension which will see her through to the 5 year period. We have 2 children, both of whom were born in the UK. Child 1 ( Born April 2016) & Child 2 (Born March 2018). They are both British, as am I (Born in the UK).

I am aware that her visa states 'No Recourse to Public Funds', and therefore I am claiming for Child benefit for both children in my own name. I have recently checked and have realised that we could be entitled to a small amount of Child Tax Credits every month.

Given that Child Tax Credits are to be claimed jointly as a couple if married, would claiming go against the terms of wife's visa? Would this be classed as claiming public funds? Can we claim this without facing issues at her next extension? She is currently not working due to looking after the children. I am in full time employment.

Any help and clear advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[CR001]

Claiming in joint names will have no effect on her visa or future ILR application.