I have a client who came from India, with 3 children, to join her husband. She has a visa with 'no recourse to public funds'.Within the period of the visa, the marriage broke down as a result of the husband's violence towards her. She has a solicitor who is applying for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of the domestic violence. What does she live on in the meantime? I have not been able to find anything in the books or information system. It is clear she has a right to apply to remain if the marriage has ended as a result of violence; but I can find no right to claim benefits in the interim. Has anybody had a similar case or come across the answer?

We've had several similar cases and our view is that the domestic violence makes difference. Until her status changes she's got no recourse to public funds which in practice means no benefit.

Only form of support we've found is to go to Social Services. Here they support women with kids, although we have some doubts about whether they should be supporting.

If anyone's got any better ideas I'd really love to hear them.