When would I be entitled to overlapping benefit?

Overlapping Benefit can be paid up to a maximum of four weeks on a property you have left if:

1. your Landlord continues to charge you rent 
2. you have moved to a new home which is not a temporary home  
3. you can provide justifiable reasons why you were unable to arrange your move so that the tenancies did not overlap

Would I be entitled to overlapping benefit before I move in?  

If you have to pay rent from the date your tenancy starts and you did not move in until a later date, you may still qualify for Benefit prior to occupation if the delay in moving is:

1. because the property needs to be adapted to meet the disabled needs of you or a member of your family
2. because you are waiting for a social fund payment to meet a need arising out of the move or in connection with setting up the home and, a family member must be aged 5 or under or 60 or over, or your applicable amount includes one of the following premiums:- Disability, Severe Disability or a Disabled Child Premium, or
3. you became liable to make payments in respect of the property while you were in hospital or a residential home.

Please note  that even when the above conditions are met, benefit cannot be paid if you had to make payments on a previous property immediately prior to the tenancy commencing at your new address.

You must apply in writing to the Council for overlapping benefit within four weeks of moving in to your new home.

The maximum period that can be covered by this payment is four weeks.  If you do qualify for these benefit payments any benefit entitlement will be paid after you have moved into your
new address.