For whatever reason, you may need to be away from your home for a while. For example, you may be away from your home when you have to be in hospital. In these cases, your tenancy will continue as long as you continue to pay your rent and your home is still your permanent home.

If you receive Housing Benefit, you will be able to claim help for 12 months from the date you go into hospital. If you are still in hospital after 12 months, you will have to pay the whole rent yourself. It is usually just before this point that we may ask you to consider whether you want to end your tenancy.

If you go away for a short period, such as over the Christmas period, please leave a contact number with your co-operative support officer. You should tell us if you are likely to be away for more than 30 days. You may also need to tell your insurer who you insure the contents of your home with.