Discretionary Housing Payments

You can claim Discretionary Housing Payments if you have received an award of housing or council tax benefit that does not cover the whole of your rent or council tax bill. 

There are many reasons why there may be a shortfall, leaving an amount of rent or council tax to be paid that you cannot afford.

An award of Discretionary Housing Payments may help you to pay these bills.

Who can apply?

Anyone who is getting housing benefit but still has to pay money towards their rent, or is getting council tax benefit but still has to pay money towards their council tax.

When should I apply?

When you are told about your housing or council tax benefit award and realise you may still have difficulty in paying your rent or council tax, you should think about whether to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. 

If you would like to claim Discretionary Housing Payment you should make an application as soon as possible. We will usually start your award from the Monday after we receive your application. 

What happens when an application is received?

We look at all applications carefully and make a decision according to each individual's circumstances and financial situation.  Some of the things we will take into consideration are:

• Any steps that may have been taken to reduce your rent or council tax bill.
• If you or someone in your household has a medical condition that may influence your choice of property or mean you have extra costs.
• Any effort you have made to find cheaper or more suitable housing.
• Any debts you may have.
• Any other circumstances that make it difficult for you to pay the difference between your benefit award and your rent or council tax.

When you complete your application, it would be useful if you gave a full explanation of any difficulties that affect your ability to pay.  To help us make a decision we will ask you to complete a financial statement giving details of your income and outgoings.  You should provide supporting documents. 

How long will my award of a Discretionary Housing Payment last?

A Discretionary Housing Payment is intended to be a short-term measure to help relieve poverty or difficult circumstances.  As the name implies it is a discretionary award and does not form part of a housing or council tax benefit award.

A successful application should be considered a means of temporary help.  You will be told how long your award will last.  If you would like your award to continue after this date you will need to apply again.

Some of the things that limit the amount of Discretionary Housing Payments we can award are:

• There is a limited amount of money available.
• Payments cannot be made to cover any service charge included in the rent such as gas, electricity, water rates or meals.
• Payments cannot be made just because your rent is very high.  However, if your housing options are limited due to disability or other health issues an award may be made.  Please contact us for more information.

What should I do if I disagree with the decision?

If you are unhappy with our decision you can ask us to look at your application again, this is called a review.  You need to do this in writing within one calendar month of the date of the letter telling you of our decision.

We will look at requests for review as soon as possible and you will be notified of the outcome in writing.

If we do not change our decision you may request a second review.  A panel of senior council officers look at requests for a second review. 

If you disagree with this decision you can ask for a judicial review by the courts.

Other Information

You must report all changes in your circumstances to us immediately.  If you are overpaid a Discretionary Housing Payment this must be paid back.

We will pay any award of Discretionary Housing Payments with your housing or council tax benefit.

If you require any assistance in completing the form please contact us.

Page last reviewed 13 Feb 2008