advise please

[joebloggs]

i think it will make no difference where your daughter is, you will have to get your visa on your own merits. but if you've lived together for 5yrs outside the UK, when you get to the UK , as soon as you take and pass the 'life in uk' test, you can apply for ILR.

but if he does bring her to the UK, he could possibly apply for child benefit and possibly tax credits/childcare element . so finanically it could be better for you all., but i'm not sure 100% about his entitlement are if he's been outside the uk for many years.

[Terpe]

..... but i'm not sure 100% about his entitlement are if he's been outside the uk for many years.

There has been loads of changes recently and there's more to come very soon. But in principle most benefits depend on Residency status and NI contributions.
Probably 3 months min residency will be needed just to start.

In addition to Residency Status there are a number of other rules that dictate social security benefits.
Theses will be available on the Department for Work and Pensions website

Or from HMRC

It always used to be that to qualify for most of the NICs based benefits you needed to have NICs on your NI record during the last two complete tax years.

It's certainly not an easy hill to climb.

Better to secure a job asap and start NI contributions for 3 months.