Benefit rules relaxed due to Coronavirus?

Hi chopsuey

When you say, how long you can be away from your home, are we talking, going abroad? If we are then it is 13 weeks for PIP and 4 weeks for ESA. The day they leave and the day they return should not be counted. See

www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad/disability-benefits

I am not aware of any relaxation of the normal rules.

Gary

Hi chopsuey

It has no effect on ESA, however HB is a different matter, you can continue to get HB while you are temporarily absent from your home.

The 13 week rule: You can get HB for up to 13 weeks during a temporary absence from your home if :
* you intend to return to occupy it as your home
* the part you normally occupy has not been let or sub-let
* your absence is unlikely to exceed 13 continuous weeks.

if your leave Great Brittain then your HB is limited to 4 weeks

The 52 week rule: You can get HB for up to 52 weeks during a temporary absence from your home if :
* you intend to return to occupy it as your home
*the part you normally occupy has not been let or sub-let
* your absence is unlikely to exceed 52 continuous weeks.

You can get HB under this rule if you are:

* a patient in a hospital or similar institution
* receiving medical treatment or medically approved care or convalescence (other than a care home)

If your absence is likely to exceed 13 or 52 continuous weeks, you cannot get HB for any of the time you are away.

Stay safe

Gary