Types of temporary absence
The following table provides examples of temporary absence and the length of time Housing Benefit may be paid:
Circumstances of absence | Within Great Britain | Outside Great Britain |
---|---|---|
A sentenced prisoner (sentence no more than 13 weeks) | 13 weeks | 4 weeks |
Following the death of a close relative | 13 weeks | 4 weeks (up to eight weeks) |
Armed forces posted overseas | 13 weeks | 4 weeks (up to 26 weeks) |
A mariner | 13 weeks | 26 weeks |
Continental shelf worker | 13 weeks | 4 weeks (up to 26 weeks) |
Any other temporary absence | 13 weeks | 4 weeks |
A person detained on remand awaiting sentencing or bailed to an address that is not their usual home | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
Hospital (or similar institution) in patient | 52 weeks | 26 weeks |
Person, partner or dependent child undergoing medical treatment or medically approved convalescence in accommodation other than residential accommodation | 52 weeks | 26 weeks |
A training course | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
A person providing medically approved care of a person living in GB or elsewhere | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
A person caring for a child whose parent or guardian is absent and receiving medically approved care or treatment | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
A person receiving medically approved care in accommodation other than residential | 52 weeks | 26 weeks |
An eligible student | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
Living in a residential home on a trial basis | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
A person who has left home through fear of violence | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |