Going abroad for up to four weeks
Most people who get Housing Benefit can continue to receive it for up to four weeks when they go abroad. Abroad means outside of England, Scotland or Wales. Going to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man also counts as going abroad. Apart from the exceptions below, to keep receiving Housing Benefit the customer must return within four weeks.
Going abroad for up to eight weeks
Customers can keep getting their Housing Benefit for up to eight weeks if they must go abroad because a close relative has died.
Close relatives include:
- partner
- children and stepchildren
- parents and stepparents
- brothers and sisters
Partners of brothers, sisters and children also count.
Going abroad for up to 26 weeks
Customers can keep getting their Housing Benefit for up to 26 weeks if they are abroad because:
- The customer, their partner or child are getting medical treatment abroad
- The customer is living abroad because of domestic abuse or fear of violence
and the customer is likely to return within 26 weeks.
The Council will decide if it reasonable for the customer to be away for more than four weeks and continue receiving Housing Benefit and the customer must inform the Council of the change of circumstances.