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Temporary Absence from Home
I have to stop living at my home for a while will I still be able to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit?
We can normally only pay you Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit if you are living at your property. If you stop living there, or go abroad for a holiday or religious or domestic reasons, or simply take an extended holiday in the UK, your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit will stop. There are, however, certain circumstances when we can continue to pay you Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit during a period of temporary absence from your home.
There are two rules that apply in cases of temporary absence from home.
The 13-week rule
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit can continue to be paid for up to 13 weeks from when your absence from home begins providing that:
- You intend to return to live in the property.
- The property has not been let or sub-let.
- You are unlikely to be absent for longer than 13 weeks.
The 52-week rule
Under this rule Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit can continue to be paid if you are absent from your home for longer than 13 weeks but less than 52 weeks providing that:
- You intend to return to the property.
- The property is not let or sub-let.
- You are unlikely to be absent for longer than 52 weeks.
- You are a prisoner on remand (not sentenced).
- You are a hospital in-patient.
- You, your partner or a dependant child are receiving medical treatment or convalescence away from home.
- You are providing medical care to someone away from your home.
- You are caring for a child whose parent or guardian is receiving medical treatment or care.
- You are on an approved training course.
- You are a student and would be eligible for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit if you were not absent from your home.
- You are under threat of violence if you remain at home.
- You are receiving care in a residential accommodation – but only on a trial basis.
If you are not sure whether a change will affect your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit – tell us anyway.
How do I contact you?
To find out how to contact us or where to go to get further information and advice, go to Points of Contact for Benefit Help.
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