Council Tax Benefit - do I have to live permanently in my home

teralin

I bought a modest flat about six months ago. My income is very low and I think that I will probably be entitled to council tax benefit as my savings are now quite depleted. If I do end up receiving this benefit, am I allowed to spend time abroad and if so does anyone know what the limits are. I have many good friends in Spain who want me to spend time there with them and I would like to feel free to do this occasionally.

Anyone with any experience of this.

seven-day-weekend

I don't suppose there would be any problem with going on holiday there.

Here (which is for Eden DC, but I presume it is the same anywhere), it says you can go on holiday for up to 13 weeks and still claim CTB:

http://www.eden.gov.uk/benefits-and-tax/benefits/council-tax-benefit/council-tax-benefit-temporay-absence/

teralin

Thank you very much for your rapid response.

fluffymovie

In order for CTB to be payable, the property has to be your main residence.

For benefit purposes, you are allowed to be temporarily absent for up to 13 weeks. However, say you went away for 13 weeks, came back for a day and then went again, that would be ok too!

However, if you spend a large majority of the time out of the country, your post goes abroad etc, the council may make a decision that is is not your main home and may stop any award