advice needed for stepchildren benefits???

[jta]

hi guys,

I read old & new postings about benefits & tax credits but got different infos w/c confuses me. BEFORE going to specific authorities i would like to hear advices from u guys to save time going there if we are not qualified:D Here's my case: My husband is a brit. national having income below 15K a year. I have 2 kids from previous relationship with us now in U.K. aged 9 & 6. I understand that i can't claim child benefits and tax credits but what about my husband can he claims children benefit, working and child tax credit even if we are not an ILR status yet? I read somewhere that he can claim but there's also a post that he can't... I DON'T KNOW....I am greatful if somebody can clarifies it to me.Thanks...

[joebloggs]

yes he can, you need to fill in the form to, but only he can make a claim, so where it ask if you (the partner) are making a claim , don't tick the box. your right you cannot make a claim until you have ILR.

child benefit he can claim, for 2 kids its £125 a month, this is not means tested, so rich or poor can claim it and get it.


tax creds depends on his income, but i would have thought £15k a year, he would get something, do you work ?

how long have you been in the uk? some benefits can be backed date upto 13wks i think, so for child benefit get claiming it asap.

[jta]

hi joe,

thanks for the clarifications, we arrived here last nov. 4 and quite busy do shopping warm clothes, registering in GP, settling kids in school so i'm taking things in step. I'm so happy that there's no difficulty getting them to school and felt warm welcome to my kids...their 1st day of school yesterday and am worried so much how they feel, what if they ask me to go back in Phils coz they don't like?:D but i'm so much overwhelmed and happy how the share their excitement & experiences. So now next step we will process other paperworks, applying for NI and job hunting:) Hmmmm another set of problems but atleast we are now complete happy family...and thank u guys...

[mavid]

Hi Jta...congratulations! I am wondering....so if someone arrives in a spousal visa... the hubby can register her in the GP? then she can be seen the doctors for free? Will you be able to get free prescriptions then? Will it affect the application status? is it not recoursing to public funds? I am just wondering because I have a pre-existing medical condition...and I would love to know where I stand if i'm granted a visa.

Thanks everyone.

[IainBusby]

Hi Jta...congratulations! I am wondering....so if someone arrives in a spousal visa... the hubby can register her in the GP? then she can be seen the doctors for free? Will you be able to get free prescriptions then? Will it affect the application status? is it not recoursing to public funds? I am just wondering because I have a pre-existing medical condition...and I would love to know where I stand if i'm granted a visa.

Thanks everyone.

If you are living in the UK legally (settlement visa etc, not just visiting) you are entitled to free medical care regardless of you rights to claim benefits.

[simplelife]

If you are living in the UK legally (settlement visa etc, not just visiting) you are entitled to free medical care regardless of you rights to claim benefits.

Is that means even still on fiancee visa is entitled to free medical?

[IainBusby]

Is that means even still on fiancee visa is entitled to free medical?
Yes! The doctor's consultation is absolutely free, but if you need medicinces, then there is a charge of £7.10 per item. When you first register with a doctor, they will probably ask you to have a smear test to check for early signs of cervical cancer, which is also absolutely free.

[mavid]

Thank you for that info Iain. I'm a kidney transplant, and needs to have regular tests and a have a lifetime medication...its gd to know that consultations are free, coz when I asked during my visit, it was 40quid jst for consultation then another 40quid for prescription. Mahal!

[jta]

hi mavid,

yes Iain is right, as soon u arrive u will register to your local GP then they will send letter to set appointment for some test they will give for new in this country. where u specifically in u.k.? coz i heard in wales free consultations and medicines.

[joebloggs]

hi joe,

their 1st day of school yesterday and am worried so much how they feel, what if they ask me to go back in Phils coz they don't like?:D

don't worry about them and school, they will settle very quickly, as my little girl did, you wouldn't know she's only been in the uk 3yrs. no longer speaks tag thou :doh

but you and your hubby need to apply for tax creds asap, as you will need a national insurance number to claim it (tax creds people should arrange an interview for you to get one), and all this can many weeks. and don't forget the child benefit. he might be able to apply online for that :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[PeterB]

I'm a kidney transplant, and needs to have regular tests and a have a lifetime medication...its gd to know that consultations are free, coz when I asked during my visit, it was 40quid jst for consultation then another 40quid for prescription. Mahal!

Check with the GP - there are some conditions, requiring lifelong medication, which qualify you for a 'Medical Exemption Card'. This allows you free prescriptions. I hold an Exemption, but it's not much use in Phils!