Payments on more than one home

Housing benefit is payable on two homes in the following circumstances.[1]

Unavoidable overlap

For up to 4 weeks from the date on which the claimant moved into a new home, if it is unavoidable that they pay rent on both their new home and their previous home.

If there is no rent due on their new home, housing benefit can be paid for up to 4 weeks on just the old home.

If there is an unavoidable overlap when the claimant is moving from temporary accommodation into permanent accommodation they can get both:

• housing benefit for up to 4 weeks to cover the overlap of the temporary accommodation

• universal credit for their new permanent accommodation

If there are problems getting housing benefit paid, the claimant should prioritise paying the new rent and come to a payment agreement for the old rent. This avoids the risk of the claimant getting into arrears in their permanent accommodation.

Waiting on disability adaptations

For up to 4 weeks if the claimant is waiting for their new home to be adapted to meet a disability need of their own, or a member of their family. The term 'adapt' must not be interpreted restrictively, and can include works such as redecoration or installing carpet.[2] In this case only, the claimant can be awarded housing benefit on both the home they are waiting to move into and the home they are currently living in, during those 4 weeks.[3]

Domestic abuse/violence

For up to 52 weeks if the claimant leaves their home because of fear of violence in that home but intends to return to the property, and it is considered reasonable for them to receive housing benefit for both properties. If the claimant leaves because of violence but does not intend to return, housing benefit can be paid for up to 4 weeks, for example if the claimant had to leave suddenly and is liable for rent during the notice period.

Larger households

Indefinitely if, because of the size of the household, the claimant and their family have been housed by the local authority in two separate dwellings.