New Housing Benefit limits for claimants going abroad
People living in Great Britain can now only receive Housing Benefit for 4 weeks if they are out of the country. Previously, housing benefit claimants could continue having their rent paid for up to 13 weeks.
The new rules, which came into force last month, prevent claimants from taking long drawn-out trips outside Great Britain while receiving taxpayer help with their rent, as well as bringing Housing Benefit into line with Jobseeker’s Allowance and other working age benefits, which already have stricter limits.
Those in receipt of Pension Credit also face a reduction in the time they can continue to receive their benefit whilst abroad, from 13 weeks to 4 weeks.
Minister for Welfare Delivery, Caroline Nokes said: “It’s important that the benefits system is fair to those who need it and those who pay for it. It’s not right that people could be abroad for over three months and still expect the taxpayer to pay their rent back home. These new rules mean that people can still enjoy holidays like everyone else, but will ensure that the system isn’t abused.”
For further information on these changes or to find out what exemptions apply, contact your local benefit office in the United Kingdom
Those who are permanent residents overseas remain unable to claim income-related benefits for any period of time. These include benefits such as Housing Benefit, Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
If you suspect someone of committing benefit fraud in Spain, call the Benefit Fraud Hotline on 900 55 444 0. Calls are free and confidential. You can also report a benefit thief online at www.gov.uk/report-benefit-fraud.
Help make sure that benefits go to those who need them most.
The British Embassy and its network of consulates in Spain work with local and expat partner organisations to assist British nationals.
Consular enquiries – 902 109 356 (in Spain) / +34 913 342 194 (outside Spain)
British nationals who need emergency assistance outside normal office hours should call +34 902 109 356 where they will be given details on how to proceed and how to contact a duty officer if needed.
