Change in accommodation

You will need to review the Away from Home Allowance to ensure that the client still meets the qualifications and is receiving the correct rate of payment whenever there is a change in the child's:

• accommodation costs
• type of accommodation rent, board or home ownership or
• residential area (region) or
• part of the property they live in

MSD will need to update and reassess the clients weekly qualifying accommodation costs.

If the child stops living away from home (excluding living at home during holiday periods) payment must stop.

The date to review Away from Home Allowance from will depend on the action involved. Generally, you should:

• increase Away from Home Allowance from the actual date of the change in circumstances or
• reduce, suspend or cancel Away from Home Allowance from the first available date except when the client advises of a change more than 14 days after the event

Note if the client gives false or misleading information you must review Away from Home Allowance from the actual date of the change in circumstances and establish an overpayment where appropriate.