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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