Discretionary Housing Payments

Money is available to help people who receive Housing Benefit, but still do not have enough to pay their rent.

This also applies to people who receive the housing cost element of Universal Credit.

You might find yourself in these circumstances because:

• You are living in a property larger than you need for your household size and your benefit has been reduced
• Your maximum rent figure has been restricted by a Rent Officer or a Local Housing Allowance rate
• Your income is higher than the applicable amount and your benefit has been reduced
• You have a non-dependant living with you and a deduction is being made which your non-dependant cannot afford to help with
• You are affected by the Benefit Capping rules
• You need help with rent in advance or help with a deposit to help you move to a more affordable property

If this applies to you, apply for a discretionary housing payment.

Please note:

• We consider each application separately
• Not all applications are successful
• If you are living in a property larger than you need for your household size, you must work with our Housing Team to try to move into a property more suited to your needs before we can consider awarding a discretionary housing payment
• If your application is successful, you will normally only get help for a limited period of time

Discretionary housing payments cannot provide help for:

• Service charges that do not qualify for Housing Benefit, such as fuel, water or food
• Increases in rent to recover arrears
• Rent if you do not receive Housing Benefit or the housing cost element of Universal Credit
• Any reduction due to a sanction being imposed
• Any benefit that has been suspended
• Council Tax

Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment

Apply for help with rent in advance, rental deposits or administrations costs

When you apply, please answer questions as fully as you can.

The more information you give us, the better we are able to understand your circumstances and your need for extra financial help.

There is no appeal right against the decision made regarding your discretionary housing payment award, but you can ask us to look at the decision again.

Discretionary Housing Payments - Guidance & Procedures

If you have any queries, please contact us.