A discretionary housing payment (DHP) is an extra award of money we can give to you if your housing and/or council tax benefit does not cover the full amount of your rent and council tax. DHP is not a benefit payment and the amount and duration of the payment is limited.
You can only ask for a DHP if you are already receiving housing and council tax benefit.
To help us decide whether you need this extra help we will look at the following
- your income
- your savings
- if anyone else in your household can help
- if you have any loans or debts
- if you could manage your money better to ease the situation
- if anyone is ill or disabled in your family
- if you have tried to put the situation right yourself.
We will ask you for a lot of information about your situation in order for us to be satisfied that you need this extra help. You can download the forms we would send to you if you asked for a DHP at the bottom of the page.
DHPs will not be paid for:
- service charges not covered by housing benefit
- rent arrears
- if your housing and/or council tax has been suspended
- if you are having an amount deducted from your benefit to recover an overpayment.
If we decide that we can pay you some extra money we will write to you to tell you how much and for how long we can pay it. DHP money is only intended to be a short term measure to give you time to find more affordable accommodation.
If you disagree with our decision, whether we have not given you a DHP, the amount of DHP or the length of time we have awarded the DHP, you can ask us to look at the decision again. You cannot appeal against a DHP decision.
If your circumstances change whilst you are receiving a DHP you must tell us straight away, as we may need to look at your DHP again to see if we need to change it.
Please remember: DHPs are only intended to be a short term help while you find solutions to your financial situation.
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