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Temporary absence

You may be entitled to housing benefit if you are temporarily absent from your home.

This applies if you intend to live in the property on your return and the period of absence is unlikely to exceed 52 weeks if you are one of the following:

  • A prisoner on remand
  • An inpatient in hospital or similar institution
  • In fear of violence
  • A vulnerable student
  • Undertaking an approved training course in the UK or abroad
  • Receiving medical treatment or medically approved convalescence for yourself, your partner or a dependent child in the UK or abroad but not in residential accommodation
  • Providing medically approved care in the UK or abroad
  • Providing care for a child whose parent or guardian is receiving medical treatment or medically approved care
  • Receiving medically approved care in the UK or abroad but not in residential accommodation
  • Receiving care in residential accommodation other than on a trial basis

In all other circumstance the period of absence must not be longer than 13 weeks.

However, throughout the period of your absence you must not let or sublet the property otherwise you will lose your entitlement.

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