What counts as accomodation?

[spacechimp]

If someone is drawing benefits under the guise of being homeless, how homeless must he be?

Does being allowed time alone in a private residence with access to amenities (drinking water/sanitation/laundry facilities) disqualify him from being described as homeless?

[spacechimp]

accommodation*

[Buenchico]

To the best of my knowledge, the UK social security system does not pay any benefits to anyone specifically because they're homeless. (That seems to be confirmed by the information on the website of the main relevant charity, Shelter). Homeless people are, of course, able to claim the same benefits (e.g. Job Seeker's Allowance) as others; their accommodation (or lack of it) does not affect their right to claim.

Also to the best of my knowledge, a person is classified as 'homeless' if he, or she, has nowhere to sleep at night (excluding short-term emergency hostel accommodation specifically for the homeless).

Chris

[spacechimp]

Cheers.