Temporary absence
A person may continue to qualify for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support while temporarily absent, provided the property remains their sole or main residence and they intend to return to it.
The table below sets out when entitlement could continue for absences inside and outside Great Britain (Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)
|
Scenario |
Max period of absence INSIDE Great Britain |
Max period of absence OUTSIDE Great Britain |
|---|---|---|
|
Resident in hospital or similar institution as a patient.
|
52 weeks |
26 weeks |
|
The claimant, partner or dependent child is undergoing medical treatment or medically approved convalescence or care in non-residential accommodation.
|
52 weeks |
26 weeks |
|
Accompanying a partner, child, or qualifying young person so that they can receive medical treatment.
|
52 weeks |
26 weeks |
|
Providing medically approved care for a person residing in the UK or elsewhere.
|
52 weeks |
4 weeks |
|
Caring for a child whose parent is temporarily absent for receiving medical treatment/medically approved care.
|
52 weeks |
4 weeks |
|
A person enters residential accommodation to determine whether it is suitable for their needs (a ‘trial basis’).
|
13 weeks |
4 weeks |
|
Receiving temporary care in residential accommodation that is not on a trial basis.
|
52 weeks |
4 weeks |
|
Leaving their dwelling through fear or violence in that dwelling (i.e., domestic violence).
|
52 weeks |
26 weeks |
|
If the absence is in connection with the death of their partner, a child in their care, or a close relative of the claimant, partner or child they are responsible for.
|
13 weeks |
4 weeks, can extend up to 8 weeks if reasonable |
|
On remand – detained in custody pending trial, pending sentence upon conviction, has bail requirements to live elsewhere, or needs to live in bail accommodation.
|
52 weeks |
4 weeks |
|
A student undertaking a period of study.
|
52 weeks |
4 weeks |
|
Absence in connection with being a share fisherman.
|
13 weeks |
4 weeks |
|
Absence in connection with being a mariner or continental shelf worker.
|
13 weeks |
26 weeks |
|
Absence in connection with being a Crown servant.
|
13 weeks |
4 weeks |
|
Members of her Majesty’s Armed Forces who are posted overseas. Please note - this does not include nurses working alongside the armed forces to civilians doing allied or subsidiary work alongside the armed forces.
|
13 weeks |
26 weeks |
|
Undertaking a training course.
|
52 weeks |
4 weeks |
|
Temporary absence for any other reason.
|
13 weeks |
4 weeks |
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