Discretionary housing payments

Discretionary housing payments are payments made in addition to the benefit award.

Each case is considered on its own merit and will take into account the circumstances and, in particular, the effect the shortfall in benefit would have on the claimant and their family.
If you are entitled to some housing benefit but had your entitlement reduced because of a rent restriction you may be able to claim to increase the maximum rent, on the grounds of hardship.
You may also apply to increase the amount of your entitlement after it has been calculated if your circumstances are considered exceptional. This can increase the weekly amount of housing and council tax benefit in payment.

There is a fixed amount available for discretionary housing payments for each council and payments may only be made up to this permitted level

Awards of housing and council tax benefit may not always cover the full rent or council tax you need to pay. So, if you receive housing or council tax benefit, you are struggling to make ends meet and in need of temporary help, we may be able to provide extra money. Please note that if an award is made is will most likelybe for a limited time.

Discretionary housing payments (DHP) can be claimed if:

You have unavoidable extra expenses because of special circumstances, such as disabilities, health problems or urgent debts
You have difficulty paying rent or council tax, whilst you are trying to find a cheaper property
There are special reasons why you need to stay in a particular property, but the rent officer has restricted the amount of rent we use, when we work out your benefit

How much will you get?

There is no fixed rate for such payments.
The maximum we can award is the difference between the benefit you are already receiving and your council tax liability or eligible rent charge.
The amount awarded is based on your individual circumstances so may be less than the difference.

How can I apply?

Download an Application for discretionary housing payment - HB34 (34kb, PDF), or request an application be sent to you, complete and return to one of our offices.
You can ask for an application from one of our offices.

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