Benefits Claims and Accommodation Overcrowding

[wiz]

I am trying to help a friend of mine, who asked me for help and I would appreciate your assistance.

He is British Citizen, working and living in Council Studio flat, where he pays Rent and does not claim any benefits.

His accommodation, is a Studio, consisting of 1 large room (where he sleeps in a sofa bed and use it as a sitting room too), bathroom, hall and separate kitch en.

Last year he got married to a Russian woman, who applied for a settlement visa , Granted Entrance clearance on the 20/08/2013, which expires on the 20/05/2016, to come and join her husband and she arrived to UK on the 25/08/2013.

The council was advised accordingly, for the change of circumstances. The wife has a young son (6 years old) and the sole custody, from a previous relationship and the council was advised, at the same time, that he will come and join his mother and step father later, when mother has settled in.

The son applied fora settlement visa too, and granted Entrance Clearance on the 13/02/2014 which expires on 20/05/2016 and arrived in UK on the 12 March 2014.

Both Mother and son have in their Entrance Clearance the Note: No recourse to Public funds.

The council was advised ASAP of the son's arrival and the husband requested the family to be moved to a larger accommodation due to Overcrowding. The council has not given any decision yet and they are very vague about it, only say they are investigating the circumstances and will let him know.

1. Any views and help regarding the accommodation situation and what they possible can expect from the council?

2. Can the family apply for any benefits, like child benefit and who must apply ?

Thank you in advance for your help.