Are you claiming Housing or Council tax benefits and have to make a top up from your own money? You could be entitled to a Discretionary Housing Payment.
What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are payments we can award, on top of the benefit you receive, to help with your rent or council tax (or both). We award these payments for a limited period of time to give you extra help if you are experiencing financial hardship. We can only award a DHP to people who are entitled to Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit and have a shortfall to pay for their rent or council tax.
This money is limited and we cannot make payments when the fund has run out, however urgent your needs may be.
How much will I receive?
The most we can award is the difference between your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit entitlement and the total rent or council tax you must pay. A Discretionary Housing Payment cannot be more than this.
For example:
You need to pay rent of £100 each week, but you only receive £90 in Housing Benefit. As a result, the maximum Discretionary Housing Payment we could award would be £10 a week.
How do I apply?
You will need to fill in a claim form to apply. We can send you a booklet that explains the DHP in more detail, which has a form included in it. Or you can visit one of our customer access points where an advisor will help you with your application.