hi.i am a irish citizen married for one year now to an algerian citizen who has entered the country illegally over 5 years ago.
i was a student working part time until i fell pregnant and have given birth 2 months ago.
my problem is we have an application in with home office for eec 1 and are waiting for reply. we were told that he would not be able to claim public funds. but since baby has arrived we are short of money since i cannot work and havent for a while. i should mention i was brought up here since age of 18 months and have not just entered the country.
so my friend works for local council advised me to apply for income support and related benefits and claim single person which i thought would be fine because if home office returned with a refusal because i couldnt support my husband his brother is very well off and could be his sponser instead. but the benefit office is saying im not entitled to income support cos im fit to work by baby is 11 weeks now but was only 8 weeks at the time of application. i am breastfeeding and if my husband is refused would i not have to leave any job taken to become main carer of baby anyway? all this means should mean im not available to work? right?
any advice appreciated please.