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Normally Housing and Council Tax Benefit are only payable whilst you are living at the property. However, in certain circumstances benefit can be paid whilst you are away from home. In order to qualify:
You may be able to claim benefit whilst you are away from home for a period of up to 13/52 weeks. You must not claim Housing or Council Tax Benefit elsewhere and you must intend to return to the property within 13 weeks or 52 weeks (you must meet certain criteria).
The "13 Week Rule"
Certain groups of people are allowed to continue claiming for up to 13 weeks during a period of absence. These are listed below :
- People in residential accommodation (e.g. homes for the elderly) on a trial basis
- People who have been convicted and sentenced for a crime
- People on holiday or visiting friends
The "52 Week Rule"
Certain groups of people are allowed to continue claiming for up to 52 weeks during a period of absence. Examples of these are listed below:
- People on remand awaiting trial
- People in hospital
- People receiving "medically approved care" (e.g. those attending drug or alcohol rehabilitation schemes away from their home).
Going abroad
It is important to notify the Benefits Service when you are going abroad, either in writing, or by visiting your local Housing Office. We will need to know the date you intend to leave and the intended period of absence.
Normally you can only get Housing/Council Tax Benefit for periods of temporary absence up to 13 weeks. If you are likely to be absent from your home for any period of time, you should contact us for further advice.
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