The immigration rules state that, for your spouse and/or children to be in the UK as your dependants, you must show that you have enough money to support and accommodate both yourself and them, and your passport will state 'no recourse to public funds'. As a result , you and they will not be able to claim any of the following welfare benefits:
- income support
- income-based jobseeker's allowance
- housing benefit
- working tax credit
- child tax credit
- help with housing from local authority
- council tax benefit
- disability living or working allowance
- carers allowance
- attendance allowance
- severe disablement allowance
- social fund payments
- child benefit
- pension credit.
Your dependants are allowed to claim any other welfare benefits, as long as they meet the particular requirements of the benefit for which they are applying. For further information see UKCOSA's Guidance Note on welfare benefits and international students.
Family members will be eligible for free health services if your course is at least 6 months long. They should also take out insurance to cover any additional costs.
If you have any queries, or think that you might be an exception to these benefit rules, please ask advice from the UWE Student Advice and Welfare Services.