Schedule 3 of the Universal Credit Regulations states that a claimant who is away from home, or is expected to be away from their home, for more than six months will not be treated as living in the property - meaning no Housing Costs Element will be included in their claim for Universal Credit.

 

So if the claimant expects to be away from their home for six months or less and returns home within this period, then regardless of the reason for the absence* - they will still be treated as living in the property and soentitled to a Housing Costs Element when their UC is assessed.

 

* special rules apply to absences abroad and for fleeing violence.

 

Whether Universal Credit will continue to be paid will depend on whether they continue to meet the other claiming criteria including their claimant commitment.

 

Please click on the links below for more information.