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Hi, my husband and I just moved to the UK. He is a US citizen who is working here and I am a Spanish citizen and a full time student. He currently has an EEA Family Permit. We are now applying for the residence card. Do we need to provide evidence of our finances? And if so, how much money do we need to have? Also, do we really need Comprehensive Sickness Insurance? Aren't we eligible to use the NHS? Lastly, are we allowed to claim a Council Tax reduction based on my student status, or are we barred from access to any public funds?
Thanks in advance for your help, this is a nightmare.

marcartor wrote:Hi, my husband and I just moved to the UK. He is a US citizen who is working here and I am a Spanish citizen and a full time student. He currently has an EEA Family Permit. We are now applying for the residence card. Do we need to provide evidence of our finances? And if so, how much money do we need to have? Also, do we really need Comprehensive Sickness Insurance? Aren't we eligible to use the NHS? Lastly, are we allowed to claim a Council Tax reduction based on my student status, or are we barred from access to any public funds?
Thanks in advance for your help, this is a nightmare.

As student you have to hold CSI.
Husband too, as your dependent.
If planning to leave UK after studying you could use Spanish EHIC if you have one but spouse still needs CSI.

It's not about using NHS it's about 'economically inactive persons' not burdening public finances.
Even stranger if husband is working but dependent's activity is immaterial.

Also note: if no CSI your time in UK won't count towards PR.

No need to provide finances I don't think.
btw don't fill in whole 100-odd page form, it's not mandatory - just fill bits that apply.

Council tax - good question: not sure.

PS Welcome to UK.
PPS Ofcourse if sick you can use NHS, we're not that inhospitable.

marcartor wrote:...

Lastly, are we allowed to claim a Council Tax reduction based on my student status, or are we barred from access to any public funds?

Thanks in advance for your help, this is a nightmare.

Re Council Tax, unfortunately there appears to be no overall exemption for your house.

The dwelling will not be exempt if your non-student spouse, civil partner or adult dependant living with you in the dwelling are:

An EEA or Swiss national, or the family member of an EEA or Swiss national, who is exercising a right of free movement in the UK

Ref: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/International- ... n-students

However, if I understand the following correctly, I believe the student of the couple is exempt - if you apply to council for exemption:
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/International- ... -exemption

Assuming no other adults live in the house it appears only 1 of you (your spouse) is liable so the 25% CT discount should be granted.

Probably worth digging into to get a second opinion.