My employer - public service plan to send me for 12 months working in an institution in the United State. My wife who is American (and a full time mother) is really happy to about the trip. However it is not clear to me if we will still be able to claim child benefit? I am not changing my permanent residence and salary is paid in Ireland as usual. When my wife rang the social welfare office she said that they said we would lose our benefit as she is American and if she goes back there during that period she would not be considered resident. Does this make sense to you AAMers out there? It does n't make sense to me since I am the only salary earner and my permanent address is still in Ireland. Does anyone know if the social welfare office have this correct?