Discretionary Housing Payments
Are you entitled to extra help?
Once your application for Housing and Council Tax Benefit has been assessed and you find that you have not been awarded full benefit you may be entitled to extra help.
These payments are called "Discretionary Housing Payments" and are to help people who are having difficulty paying their rent or Council Tax.
- Discretionary Housing Payments Guidance Notes
- Apply for Discretionary Housing Payments by completing this form and return it to the Council
First you will need to complete a Discretionary Housing Payment application form. The questions in this form are different from those in your Housing and Council Tax Benefit form and give us a better insight into the situation you feel you are in, regarding payment of your rent and or Council Tax.
Discretionary Housing Payments are paid for a limited period and are there to help any claimant who is already receiving Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit and is experiencing financial difficulty.
Once we have received your DHP form:
- If you are a private tenant, a request for a rent re-determination may be made to the Rent Service.
- A visit to your home may be required to help us better understand your financial difficulties. Your application form would be discussed during the visit and additional information and evidence collected if necessary.
- Each application is then assessed based on individual circumstances.
- You will be notified of the decision by post.
