hi terpe, yes thanks for all the info, I have checked with the housing benefit office and they say yes no probs with the claim its in my name they take into consideration the fact my wife has parttime job but no probs with the no recourse to public funds. same with the tax people they know she has no recourse as well.. i am more concerned that the immigration may say i cannot support her properly if i am claiming hb/ct/ctc..... have spoke to citizens advice they havent a clue, local council dunno either, i rang immigration they said its up to the case worker.... fine but i intend to go to the office pay premium to have it done same day, i dont wanna pay all that money to be told sorry no good u get hb etc etc..... would like to know if there is a definate yeah or nay on this matter... just wondered if anyone else in here ever gone through the same predicament or knows anyone who has....