Getting Benefits while away from home

To receive Housing and Council Tax Benefit you must be living in the property for which you are claiming benefit. There are certain exceptions to this rule, one is that some people can continue to claim benefit during periods of absence from their home.

General Rules

There are certain circumstances when you can claim Housing Benefit even though you are not living at the property, but to be able to do this you must meet the criteria detailed below:

• you must intend to return to the property after your absence ends;
• you or your landlord must not sublet your accommodation while you are away, and
• at the start of your absence, you must not expect to be away for more than 13 or 52 weeks

The 13-Week Rule

You can to continue to claim benefit for up to 13 weeks while you are away from home if you meet the general rules and:

• you are in residential accommodation on a trial basis, or
• you have been convicted and sentenced for a crime, or
• you are on holiday or visiting friends, etc

The 52-Week Rule

You can continue to claim benefit for up to 52 weeks while you are away from home if you meet the general rules and:

• you are on remand awaiting trial, or
• you are in hospital, or
• you are receiving approved medical care

Not sure?

If you are unsure of how your absence will be treated for benefit purposes, please contact the Benefits Service for advice.

Tel: 01843 577552

from 9am to 5.30pm.

Fax: 01843 577532

or Visit our offices