Types of temporary absence

The following table provides examples of temporary absence and the length of time Housing Benefit may be paid:

Circumstances of absence	Within Great Britain	Outside Great Britain
A sentenced prisoner (sentence no more than 13 weeks)	13 weeks	4 weeks
Following the death of a close relative	13 weeks	4 weeks (up to eight weeks)
Armed forces posted overseas	13 weeks	4 weeks (up to 26 weeks)
A mariner	13 weeks	26 weeks
Continental shelf worker	13 weeks	4 weeks (up to 26 weeks)
Any other temporary absence	13 weeks	4 weeks
A person detained on remand awaiting sentencing or bailed to an address that is not their usual home	52 weeks	4 weeks
Hospital (or similar institution) in patient	52 weeks	26 weeks
Person, partner or dependent child undergoing medical treatment or medically approved convalescence in accommodation other than residential accommodation	52 weeks	26 weeks
A training course	52 weeks	4 weeks
A person providing medically approved care of a person living in GB or elsewhere	52 weeks	4 weeks
A person caring for a child whose parent or guardian is absent and receiving medically approved care or treatment	52 weeks	4 weeks
A person receiving medically approved care in accommodation other than residential	52 weeks	26 weeks
An eligible student	52 weeks	4 weeks
Living in a residential home on a trial basis	52 weeks	4 weeks
A person who has left home through fear of violence	52 weeks	4 weeks