Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Benefit on Two Homes

Housing Benefit is normally paid on the home you live in. There are certain times when it is unavoidable to pay rent on two homes and in these cases we may be able to pay benefit on both.

Absence through fear of violence

The fear of violence can either be from someone living in the home you are absent from, or outside it if it is from someone who use to live in your home. The maximum we can pay for both homes is 52 weeks. We can only pay on both homes if:

• it is reasonable to do so, the renting of two homes could not be avoided, and
• you intend to return to live in your former home.

If you do not intend to return to your former home we may only pay benefit at that home for a maximum of 4 weeks after you left.

Students and Trainees

It may be you or your partner who is a student but you must be eligible for Housing Benefit. There is no time limit. We can only pay on both homes if:

• it is reasonable to do so, and
• you could not avoid living in two homes.

Large families

If you have been housed in two homes by this Council due to the size of your family we will take into account the rent charged for both homes. Although both homes must have been provided by this Council they do not have to own them. If you have found your own homes you may not get help with rent on both homes. You should contact us as soon as possible.
If you are in any of the above situations you should complete a claim form for both homes.

Overlapping rents

If you have moved and you are charged rent at both your old and new home we may pay benefit on both homes for a maximum of 4 weeks. You must have:

• Moved into your new home- Housing Benefit is normally only paid from the date you moved in so you should move into your new home straight away. Housing Benefit may only be paid before the date you move in in special cases, contact us for more information, AND
• Been unable to avoid paying rent at both homes - Most moves can be planned in advance, however there may be reasons why you needed to move quickly, such as, your new home is specially adapted for your disability.

To request benefit on two homes complete the form in the downloads box. Send the form to us with proof of the date your rent has been charged up to at your old address, such as your rent book or a letter from your landlord.

Housing Benefit for your period of notice

We may pay benefit for a period of notice even if you do not pay rent at your new home. If the liability to pay rent on your old home could not reasonably have been avoided and you gave notice as soon as you were aware you would not be returning, we may pay benefit for a maximum of 4 weeks.

Some examples are:

• you have been admitted temporarily into a nursing or residential home and the decision has been made to remain permanently
• you have been admitted unexpectantly to hospital on a permanent basis.
• you have been sentenced to a custodial term of more than 13 weeks.

In these cases there was no opportunity to give notice on your former home. However, the 13 week limit when benefit can be paid while temporarily absent cannot be exceeded.

To request benefit for your period of notice write to us giving as many details as possible and send proof of the date rent has been charged until.