Council Tax & Housing Benefit
Temporary Absence From Home
Introduction
It is a condition of receiving Housing
& Council Tax Benefit that you are actually living in the
property for which you are claiming Benefit. There are certain
exceptions to this rule which means that some people can continue
to claim Benefit during periods of absence from the property. This
page explains the circumstances in which people can continue to
claim whilst being away from the property.
'Temporary Absence - General
Rules'
The length of time for which you can
continue to claim Benefit during an absence depends on the reason
why you are away from your property. Some groups of people can
continue to claim for 13 weeks and some groups can claim for 52
weeks. For both groups of people, however, the basic qualifying
conditions below must always be met :
- You must intend to return to live in the property after the
absence ends.
For example, you cannot ask us to pay whilst you are away if
you have no intention of returning to the property.
- You (or your landlord - if applicable) must not sublet your
accommodation whilst you are away.
For example, your landlord cannot rent your room out to other
people whilst you are away.
- Your absence must not be likely to exceed 13 or 52 weeks at the
start of the absence
For example, you cannot intend to go and stay with relatives
for 16 weeks and ask us to pay for the first 13 weeks.
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, etc
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).
If In Doubt?
If you are unsure of how your absence will
be treated for Benefit purposes, please contact our Helpline for
advice. Contact details are given at the end of this page.
Information Which Is Needed By The Benefits
Section
If it is clear that you will be away from
your property for a length of time, please advise the Benefits
Section before you leave. We need to know the following:
- The likely period of your absence
- The reason for your absence
- A statement confirming that you will return to live in your
property and that you will not sub-let it during your absence
You may also be asked to complete a new
application form.
During Your Absence
If any of the following change during your
absence you need to inform this section immediately:
- If you decide not to return to the property
- If your reason for absence changes
- If your absence is likely to be for longer than expected
Further Information
If you have any questions or would like any
more information, please contact the Helpline on (01304) 872199 or
write to:
E-mail: revenues@dover.gov.uk
Listen
PDF
Print
