Tenants or going into hospital

I am a tenant

If you are claiming Housing Benefit and /or Council Tax Reduction you must inform our Benefits section if you enter a care home. If you are going into a care home for a short break only, then this benefit can continue for up to a year.

If you are a tenant moving into residential care permanently, leaving a vacant property, it is not advisable to give up your tenancy straight away (in case the placement is not suitable and you wish to return home). Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction can be paid whilst you are assessing the suitability of the care home.

We recommend that the decision to give up your tenancy should be taken at the six week review – when your Care Assessor will meet you and your family to consider whether your care home is suitable for you.

If your care home is suitable, then this is the time to give your landlord notice. You should also inform our Council Tax section, to see if they can exempt your vacant home from Council Tax.

You've gone into hospital after going into a home

If you are permanently resident in a care home and need to go into hospital, you will still be charged for your place at the home for as long as you continue to receive income and the placement is reserved for you. Your benefits will not normally be reduced until you have been in hospital for 52 weeks.

During the time that you are in hospital, if your circumstances have changed an Assessor will check that your current care home still meets your needs.