Temporary absence from home
Housing and Council Tax Benefits are only normally payable whilst you are living at the property. However benefit may still be paid while you are away from home in certain circumstances.
The length of time for which you can continue to claim Housing Benefit during an absence depends on the reason why you are away. Some people can continue claiming for 13 weeks and others for 52 weeks. In either case the basic qualifying conditions below must always be met:
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you must intend to return to live in the property after the absence ends
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you (or your landlord - if applicable) must not sublet your accommodation whilst you are away
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your absence must not be likely to exceed 13 or 52 weeks at the start of the absence
If you know that you are likely to be away from your home for much longer than 13/52 weeks Housing benefit and or Council Tax benefit can not normally be granted.
Further information is available in the Temporary Absence from Home leaflet|.