Australian working in UK. Am I entitled to tax credits, mat leave etc?

[Toomanycandles]

Hi everyone. It's my first attempt at posting, so please forgive any errors. :)
I'm an Aussie living and working here on an ancestry visa. On my visa, stamped in big bold letters, is NO ACCESS TO PUBLIC FUNDS. My husband and I are talking about ttc and I am unsure about what I'm actually entitled to. I'm a teacher at a state school on a permanent full time contract, if that helps. I know I can use the NHS, well, I have been for the last three years! Does anyone know much about this, or can point me in the right direction?

Have you tried Googling? It took me about 30 seconds to find this: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/while-in-uk/rightsandresponsibilities/publicfunds/

So while you are probably not able to claim tax credits you are entitled to up to 52 weeks maternity leave and SMP plus any occupational maternity pay from your employer subject to you meeting the qualifying criteria.

I'm not sure about mat pay through your employer (ask HR?), but all the rest you are not allowed. That is what is meant by no recourse to public funds.

The only exception us if your husband is British, then he can claim child tax credit and child benefit for his child/children as they would be British.

Is your husband British? If so, he can claim child benefit for your child, who will be entitled to British nationality, and possibly child tax credits if you qualify for them. Your employer will probably provide maternity pay or you may qualify for maternity allowance.

I've got an idea that you can get stuff you've 'paid' for ie through NI contributions.

Of course in the future if you apply for and are granted PR, they take that pesky No Recourse stamp out

DH is an Aussie too. Hmm, might need to considerer waiting for the PR I guess...

DH's work gives childcare vouchers. Can we use those?

Yes. They are a benefit from your employer. Why not read the link I found?

Sorry, been trying to, couldn't make it open for some reason. Did the 'shut everything down and retry' thing, and it's working. Thanks for the link.

I'm from nz and have indefinite leave to remain. I was entitled to maternity pay but not tax credits.