If you are temporarily absent from home you may be treated as occupying your dwelling for up to 13 weeks.

The 13 week rule only applies if there is an intention to return to the property and the particular part of the property which you normally occupy is not sublet during your absence.

This rule can be extended to 52 weeks in special cases only.

If the Job Centre or Department of Work and Pensions has cancelled your benefit due to "gone abroad" - you will need to complete a new claim form for Housing and Council Tax Benefit and you will be asked to show your income for that period.

Cases where benefit can be considered for 52 weeks absence from home

Persons detained in custody on remand, or pending trail or sentence.

Persons residing in bail hostel as condition of bail

Persons resident in hospital or similar institution

Persons receiving approved medical attention, care or convalescence

Persons undertaking approved training

Persons providing care for a child where the parent or guardian is receiving medical treatment

Vulnerable students

Persons in fear of violence (i.e. in a refuge)

Persons receiving temporary residential care but NOT accommodated on trial basis with the possibility of permanent residence.

REMEMBER you must notify the Benefits Service of any absence from home exceeding 3 weeks as soon as you are able and seek advice on how to continue your claim.

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