Housing benefit on two homes
Housing Benefit is normally only paid for one home at a time. However, there are some exceptions where the council may consider paying benefit on two homes. These exceptions are:
- you have moved into rented accommodation due to fear of violence - The council will look at the circumstances. There must be an intention to return to the property that you have had to leave. You may be entitled to have payment on two homes up to 52 weeks
- you are a student/trainee, one of a couple and have to live in separate rented accommodation - The council will have to decide whether living in different properties was unavoidable
- you have a large family and the council has housed you in two properties
- you have moved to a new home which you have to pay rent for, but still have to pay rent for a period of time on the old property. This is known as unavoidable overlapping liability - The council has to be satisfied that you could not have avoided paying rent on two homes for this period of time
To make a claim
If you are requesting payment on two homes due to; Fear of violence, student/trainee or as part of a large family unable to live together, you should:
- send your request in writing including your Housing Benefit reference number and...
- provide evidence to show that you have to pay rent for both the addresses at the same time; and...
- explain why you cannot avoid paying rent for both addresses at the same time
If you are requesting Payment on Two Homes due to unavoidable overlapping responsibility you will need to complete an application form. Please go to MySouthend and complete the form.