The temporary absence rules set out when you can be away from home without losing benefit.
If any of the situations in the rules apply, you can keep claiming Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, or both, for the time shown.
If a person who normally lives with you is away for any of the reasons given, you can count them as still needing a bedroom. But we might also need to take account of any income they have.
Reasons for temporary absence and time allowed
| Reason for absence | Time allowed for temporary absence within Great Britain | Time allowed for temporary absence outside Great Britain |
|---|---|---|
| Claimant absent in connection with the death of a partner | 13 weeks | Up to 8 weeks |
| Claimant or partner absent in connection with the death of a child or qualifying young person normally living with the claimant | 13 weeks | Up to 8 weeks |
| Claimant or partner absent in connection with the death of a close relative of the claimant, of a partner, or of a child or qualifying young person normally living with the claimant | 13 weeks | Up to 8 weeks |
| Claimant or partner absent in order to receive medical treatment | 52 weeks | 26 weeks |
| Claimant or partner accompanying a partner, child or qualifying young person for medical treatment | 52 weeks | 26 weeks |
| The person enters residential accommodation to see if it meets their needs | 13 weeks | 4 weeks |
| The person is 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 in accommodation other than residential accommodation | 52 weeks | 26 weeks |
| The person is providing medically approved care to another person | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
| The person is caring for a child whose parent is temporarily absent because they are in hospital or similar | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
| The person is receiving temporary care in residential accommodation that is not on a trial basis | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
| The person has left their home through fear of violence there | 52 weeks | 26 weeks |
| Absence in connection with being a mariner or continental-shelf worker | 13 weeks | 26 weeks |
| Absence in connection with being a share fisherman | 13 weeks | 4 weeks |
| The person is a student or is undertaking a training course | 52 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces | 13 weeks | 26 weeks |
| The person is in Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands | - | 4 weeks |
| Claimant or partner temporarily absent for any other reason | 13 weeks | 4 weeks |
Contact Benefits Section
Contact Benefits enquiry form. Customer service available Monday–Friday, 9am–1pm.
Benefits Section, PO Box 622, Crewe, CW1 9JH