Naturalisation and benefits (EEA citizen)

[Ieva]

Hello,
Would receiving benefits (housing benefit, council tax benefit, also tax credits) affect naturalisation application in any negative way? Is it necessary to send copies of these to HO? This is EU citizen's application.

We did not include any of these when applying for PR (PR received last summer). However, current solicitor that we asked help for, has asked to bring all benefit letters for the last 6 years. She also asked to bring all medical letters etc because he has not worked (health problems) - he received PR as family member, not in his own right last summer.

We are worried all these additional documents which we did not plan to include may damage my husband's case (I received BC last summer myself). Sometimes too much information can cause more questions and checks, isn't it? HO can check if they really want anyway.

What would be the safest way in this situation?

Many thanks!

[alterhase58]

There is only one type of BC application (not EU or non-EU).
Benefits are not considered. You don't have to be in employment. As long as you meet all the requirements there should not be a problem. Recommend that NCS is used - you keep your originals. If you have already submitted via solicitor then all you can do is wait.

[Ieva]

There is only one type of BC application (not EU or non-EU).
Benefits are not considered. You don't have to be in employment. As long as you meet all the requirements there should not be a problem. Recommend that NCS is used - you keep your originals. If you have already submitted via solicitor then all you can do is wait.

Thank you. Solicitor says we are on complex side... We have not submitted application yet - initial 'review' appointment tomorrow.
Do we have to send benefit & doctor letters though? Is this necessary?
many thanks!

[alterhase58]

[
Thank you. Solicitor says we are on complex side... We have not submitted application yet - initial 'review' appointment tomorrow.
Do we have to send benefit & doctor letters though? Is this necessary?
many thanks!

I don't have experience of this - what is it you need to prove? Do you meet the requirements as set out in the AN guide? This isn't re-running PR.
Perhaps you need to explain why your case is complex.

[Ieva]

[
I don't have experience of this - what is it you need to prove? Do you meet the requirements as set out in the AN guide? This isn't re-running PR.
Perhaps you need to explain why your case is complex.

It does not seem complex to me - apart form the fact that my husband could not work because of this health and as I mentioned before because we have been receiving tax credits and some benefits (Housing benefits, CTB and child benefits). Not sure if this would be looked at as a 'burden'...

[alterhase58]

As I said economic activity is not a prerequisite for BC - even housewifes apply. And benefits being received within the rules is no hindrance. You are not applying for a visa.

[Ieva]

That's good to hear - thank you!