Here is a clip from the Decision Makers Guide, which confirms matters...
"People without accommodation - ESA(IR) Applicable amount for people without accommodation
54156 Where a DM decides that a claimant has no accommodation the applicable amount will comprise of the normal personal allowance for the claimant1 plus where relevant, the amount of the support component or WRAC2. (the DM cannot for example include housing costs or premiums).
Note: ESA(Cont) is not affected by this guidance.
1 ESA Regs, Sch 5, para 1; 2 WR Act 2007 s 4(2)(b)
54157 DMG 54156 applies only to people without accommodation. The fact that a person may have no fixed address is not relevant to the decision.
Meaning of accommodation 54158 The word “accommodation” is not defined in the SS legislation, but in this context it means an effective shelter from the elements 1. which is capable of being heated and 2. in which the occupants can sit, lie down, cook and eat and 3. which is reasonably suited for continuous occupation.
54159 The site of the accommodation may alter from day to day, but it is still accommodation if the structure is habitable. Material which gives only a small amount of protection from the elements, for example 1. cardboard boxes 2. sleeping bags 3. bus shelters 4. park benches do not fall within the description of accommodation.
Motor Cars 54160 Motor cars are designed as a means of transport. They are not intended for use as a dwelling house or living premises and are not suited for continuous occupation. A person who is living in a car cannot be regarded as having accommodation1. 1 R(IS) 23/98
Mobile motor homes 54161 Some mobile motor homes have reached a level of sophistication and are designed for living in. Mobile motor homes that contain the normal range of facilities for domestic life and are suited for continuous occupation should be regarded as accommodation.
Absence from home 54162 Claimants should be regarded as having accommodation if they are 1. temporarily absent from the dwelling occupied as the home and 2. for the period of their absence, living a lifestyle as though they have no accommodation.
In these circumstances housing costs may be allowed (see DMG Chapter 44)."
Steve
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