FLR(M) and spouse's current public funds questions

Again, I look to the experts here for some insight...

I was just approved for the FLR(M) through an in-person appointment at the PEO in Sheffield.

We were married 15th March and approved for FLR(M) 21st March. I know I am not entitled to most of the public funds available. My spouse (UKC - born and raised) is currently collecting some public funds - Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. Her son, age 17 (18 in July) is living with us.

In the letter to me, the applicant, received from the UKBA at our appointment, it states what public funding I cannot claim. It also states that my sponsor is not entitled to claim public funds 'on your behalf'.
I take this to mean that she is not allowed to collect any additional public funds to help support 'us'. Is this correct?

Also, I am not working yet. At this point in time, will any of her current benefits be affected by us now being married? I assume this will indeed change once I am working, correct?

And one final question - she is about to reapply for these benefits. Am I correct in understanding that my name must now go on this application, also? Will THIS affect her ability to collect the funding she is currently receiving?

Thank you, again!!

In the letter to me, the applicant, received from the UKBA at our appointment, it states what public funding I cannot claim. It also states that my sponsor is not entitled to claim public funds 'on your behalf'.
I take this to mean that she is not allowed to collect any additional public funds to help support 'us'. Is this correct?

Yes - it means she can only claim what she is entitled to herself, and not more because she is married to you - so she cannot claim the amount for a couple, just for a single person.

Also, I am not working yet. At this point in time, will any of her current benefits be affected by us now being married? I assume this will indeed change once I am working, correct?

It depends on the public funds and what requirements they have - whether they are only dependent on her (or her child) or if they depend on the entire household income.

And one final question - she is about to reapply for these benefits. Am I correct in understanding that my name must now go on this application, also? Will THIS affect her ability to collect the funding she is currently receiving?

Again, depends on the benefit - some require both names to be on them (even though only one of you is entitled to claim), while others can be claimed in just one name... you would need to check the exact claiming requirements for each benefit.

For tax credits, they must be claimed as a couple, so you've got no choice.  It's ok to claim them though!

For tax credits, they must be claimed as a couple, so you've got no choice.  It's ok to claim them though!

Yes - it means she can only claim what she is entitled to herself, and not more because she is married to you - so she cannot claim the amount for a couple, just for a single person.

It depends on the public funds and what requirements they have - whether they are only dependent on her (or her child) or if they depend on the entire household income.

Again, depends on the benefit - some require both names to be on them (even though only one of you is entitled to claim), while others can be claimed in just one name... you would need to check the exact claiming requirements for each benefit.

Thank you both! Ksand24, in one of those 'a-ha' moments, I took your suggestion and looked up each benefit and their requirements online. Looks like we should be good! Shandy, thank you for clarifying this!