Travelling overseas could affect benefits

HOUSING benefit claimants travelling overseas for long periods could lose out on crucial support payments if they fail to follow new government rules, Oldham Council is warning.

From today, the rules have changed meaning claimants are now allowed to spend just four consecutive weeks living away from the property if they are outside Britain.

If they exceed the four-week limit, their benefits could be stopped.

Exceed

Previously claimants were allowed to spend up to 13 consecutive weeks living away from the home for which they claim housing benefit.

The changes also affect non-dependants (someone who lives with the claimant such as an adult son, daughter, relative or friend) who are also not allowed to exceed the four-week rule.

Concerned that residents - in particular retired people who stay overseas with relatives for extended periods or those taking extended religious pilgrimages - could fall foul of the new rules, Oldham Council has now launched a campaign to notify residents about the changes.

As well as publicising the changes via the media, online and on social media, leaflets and posters are also being placed in a wide range of public buildings and other key locations.

Frontline benefits staff are also being briefed on the changes to ensure they are in a position to offer advice.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, deputy leader of Oldham Council, said: "There are thousands of people in Oldham who rely on housing benefit to keep a roof over their heads and we're very keen to make sure they don't have any problems.

"The government has forced these changes upon us at quite short notice and as a result we're doing all we can to notify people of the changes by placing the information online, in the media and promoting it on social media.

"The people we think are most likely to be affected are those going on religious pilgrimages for extended periods or people who spend time staying with relatives or friends.

"If people fail to follow the rules their benefits could stop altogether which we're very keen to avoid so I would urge people to look carefully at the rules and consider how they can adapt to them."

At present more than 26,000 people jointly claim for housing benefit and council tax reduction in Oldham.

There are a number of exemptions to the rules including, for example, members of the Armed Forces.

For more detailed guidance on the changes visit the "Benefits and Money" section of the website www.oldham.gov.uk.