Regulation 4 Amendment of Schedule 5 to the General Regulations

In Schedule 5 to the General Regulations (capital to be disregarded) after paragraph 23 there shall be added the following paragraphs—

“24

Where a claimant has ceased to occupy what was formerly the dwelling occupied as the home following his estrangement or divorce from his former partner, that dwelling for a period of 26 weeks from the date on which he left that dwelling.

25

Any premises where the claimant is taking reasonable steps to dispose of those premises, for a period of 26 weeks from the date on which he first took such steps, or such longer period as is reasonable in the circumstances to enable him to dispose of those premises.

26

Any premises where the claimant has commenced legal proceedings to obtain possession of those premises in order to occupy them as his home, for a period of 26 weeks from the date on which he commenced such proceedings, or such longer period as is reasonable in the circumstances to enable him to obtain possession and commence occupation of those premises.

27

Any premises which the claimant intends to occupy as his home to which essential repairs or alterations are required in order to render them fit for such occupation, for a period of 26 weeks from the date on which the claimant first takes steps to effect those repairs or alterations, or such longer period as is necessary to enable those repairs or alterations to be carried out.

28

Any payment made by the Secretary of State to compensate for the loss (in whole or in part) of entitlement to housing benefit.”.