Can I receive Housing Benefit for my home if I am not living there?
You can receive Housing Benefit when you are away from home on a temporary basis, but you have to meet certain conditions and you must intend to return to your home within a set amount of time.
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How long can I receive Housing Benefit for if I am away from home?
The amount of time that you can receive Housing Benefit depends on the reason you are away from home. Some people will be able to receive up to 13 weeks benefit and some will be able to receive up to 52 weeks benefit.
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Who can receive up to 13 weeks Housing Benefit?
You can receive Housing Benefit for up to 13 weeks if you are away from home, for example because you are:
but you must intend to return to your property within 13 weeks and you must not sublet your property.
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Who can receive up to 52 weeks Housing Benefit?
You can receive Housing Benefit for up to 52 weeks if you are away from home for example because you are:
but you must intend to return to your property within 52 weeks and you must not sublet your property.
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What are the rules if I am in residential care on a trial basis?
If you go into residential care on a trial basis to see if it suits you, you can receive Housing Benefit for up to 13 weeks but you must intend to return to your property within 52 weeks and you must not sublet your property.
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What should I do if I know that I am going to be away from home?
You should tell the Benefit Office straight away by using the form available for download.
Temporary Absence from Home
Or you can phone us on 01727 866100, we will ask you to confirm the details in writing.
Or you can visit the Benefit Help Desk at the Council offices.
We will need to know:
the reason why you are away,
how long you will be away for,
if you intend to return to your home,
if you have sublet your property and
if your income or capital will change while you are away from home.
We will then be able to tell you if you are entitled to benefit while you are away from home.
In certain cases it may be necessary for you to complete a new form to cover your absence from home.
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What if I am going into Hospital?
New rules came into effect from 21 May 2003, if you were admitted to hospital on or after 9 April 2003, your benefits will not be reduced until you have been in hospital for more than 52 weeks.
You can receive Housing and Council Tax benefit for up to 52 weeks providing you intend to return to your home when you leave hospital.
If you have a partner who normally lives with you Housing and Council tax benefit will continue to be paid in their name.
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What if my circumstances change when I am away from home?
We need to know if your circumstances change while you are away. You can write to us or phone us at the Benefit Office.
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What if I decide not to return to my home?
If you decide not to return to your home you should let us know immediately at the Benefit Office. We will stop paying you benefit from the Monday following the date you decide not to return home.
For example, if you decide on a Tuesday that you do not want to return to your home we have to stop your benefit from the following Monday.
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