I have a client who has severe alcohol dependency and who is currently trying to get admitted onto a residential 'drying out' course, run by Bethany. He hasn't been referred onto this by his GP or CPN, but he is sure they would support him doing it.

The HB regulations say that a course away from home has to be 'medically approved' to be elligible for HB for more than 13 weeks and also mentions certified by a medical practitioner.

Can anyone clarify if he will be elligible for HB for up to 52 weeks, with a letter of support from either his GP or CPN?

In my opinion, the answer is "yes". I have never had a problem getting HB for up to 52 weeks this way.

Backdating and backdated disability premium is another matter, but even then, when Ive tried it the DWP and the LA paid up eventually