Child tax credit

Hi Guys ...

I keep an eye on the board to make sure I am on top of everything for my own application but I keep seeing posts about Child benefit and child tax credits ... I didnt think we needed to declare them as my only dependent child (for whom i receive the benefits) is a british citizen and entitled to them? ...

have i badly misunderstood this? ... if I need to declare them where do I declare them at?  we are applying for a fiancee visa under category A (income over 18600 and employed with the same employer for 4 yrs)

I'm just looking at the fiance visa application forms now, and if you are applying under Category A, then you don't have to answer any questions about benefits received... so there's nowhere to mention them anyway (plus, I don't believe they are relevant).

On Appendix 2, question 2.4 asks whether your sponsor received housing benefit or council tax benefit, but that's it.

As far as I can see, it's only on the FLR(M) form (which you will apply for after you are married) which asks what benefits you receive... and there is a tick-box list of benefits on there, so you tick which ones you receive (child benefit and child tax credit are both on there).

Actually, ignore that - it seems you only have to answer those questions on the FLR(M) form if you are exempt from meeting the financial requirement.

Phew so the fact I claim it for my child (being the UK Sponsor) will not affect it at any point?  as even for the next visa after the marriage we will be relying on my wage/employment to meet the financial aspect ... and I can happily put no to the housing and council tax benefits (being the sponsor)

I have to say ksand24 and some of the others on this board .. I dont know how I would have gotten as far as I have without your advice!

We will be doing the online application at the end of this week *insert nail biting emoji* fingers crossed!!!

Phew so the fact I claim it for my child (being the UK Sponsor) will not affect it at any point?  as even for the next visa after the marriage we will be relying on my wage/employment to meet the financial aspect ... and I can happily put no to the housing and council tax benefits (being the sponsor)

I have to say ksand24 and some of the others on this board .. I dont know how I would have gotten as far as I have without your advice!

We will be doing the online application at the end of this week *insert nail biting emoji* fingers crossed!!!

Hang on, you're the UK citizen? (sorry I got confused, I thought you were the applicant)

You can claim as many benefits as you like for you and your child - it makes no difference to this visa or any other visa, because you are British and you are perfectly entitled to claim them.

What you can't do is claim EXTRA benefits because of your fiance/spouse (i.e. you can't claim for couples benefit allowances, or things like larger council housing because of them) and your fiance/spouse cannot claim benefits for themselves... because they are not legally allowed to claim or receive benefits.

Hi Ksand24

Yes sorry maybe my post wasnt very clear, I am the UK citizen (sponsor)  and I have one dependent child at home who I still receive Child benefit and Child tax credit for, my partner is the US citizen who is applying to join me here in England
I am currently earning in excess of the 18600 threshold but still do get those benefits... my understanding was that because these were for my child who is also a British citizen (and unrelated to my partner) i could essentially write them off as not being important to the application ... then saw all the posts popping up making me doubt my self lol

But your saying this is not an issue and I should not worry

fingers and toes crossed nothing else creeps up as after friday the submit button will be hit online and its too late to change anything LOL

... then saw all the posts popping up making me doubt my self lol

It was the name of the person on those benefit claims and whether partners are part of a joint claim even of they are not married, that were the questions in those posts.

Child Benefit must only be in the name of the UK citizen, as it is a public fund.

Tax Credits or it's replacement Universal Credit, must be in the joint names of the partners even if they are not married, as this benefit is based on household joint income/savings/capital etc. Universal Credit, has different rules for claimants.

https://www.gov.uk/changes-affect-tax-credits/changes-you-must-report