Charnwood Borough Council - Leading in Leicestershire

Housing and Council Tax Benefit can be paid for your home whilst you are living away from it as long as:

• You intend to return to live in your home
• You will not be claiming housing benefit for another address (although we can pay for 2 homes in very limited circumstances click here for further information
• Your normal home will not be let or sublet whilst you are away
• The period of absence will not exceed either 13 weeks or in special cases 52 weeks, depending on the reason for the absence

Week Rules

• The 13 and 52 Week Rule

Going into Hospital

If you go into hospital we can continue to pay benefit to you. However you must tell as soon as possible. Your benefit can continue to be paid for up to 52 weeks but after 52 weeks we will look at your claim again to see if benefit can continue to be paid.

If a decision is made that you cannot return to your normal home then benefit will stop from the date this decision is made.

You must also tells us if your partner goes into hospital.

Going To Prison

If you are on remand , living in a bail hostel or convicted awaiting sentence than you can still claim benefit. You must claim as soon as you are taken into custody (the Prison Probation or Welfare Officer will help you).

Once you have been convicted and given a custodial sentence of more than 13 weeks (including any likely remission) then your benefit will stop from the date of sentencing. If sentenced for less than 13 weeks then benefit may continue.

If you have a partner they may be able to claim whilst you are in prison. Please contact Benefits Services for help.

Domestic Violence

Housing Benefit may be paid on both your normal home and your temporary home. Click here to see benefit on two properties.

Residential Care

Special rules apply if you are going into residential Care for a trial period. This will be to see if it is suitable for you before you move in permanently. Benefit can continue for a trial period of up to 13 weeks. Once a decision is made that you will stay there permanently then benefit must stop.

If you go into residential care on a temporary basis for any of the following reasons:

• You need care
• You need nursing because you live alone
• To give your full time carer a break.Benefit may be paid for up to 52 weeks