Discretionary Housing Payments
This section provides information and help on Discretionary Housing Payments.
Discretionary Housing Payments are paid on top of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
They are paid to people who need more help to pay their housing costs.
Discretionary Housing Payments are paid from a limited fund. Once this fund is used, all discretionary payments will stop.
Discretionary Housing Payments for rent
When people rent their homes privately and claim Housing Benefit, there is a limit to the Housing Benefit they get. This is based on a valuation of their home by the Rent Officer Service or the Local Housing Allowance rate.
This sometimes means customers get less Housing Benefit than the actual rent due.
Some customers are able to pay the rest or can negotiate a lower rent with their landlord. However, other customers find the shortfall between their rent and their benefit causes financial strain and hardship. These are the customers who should apply for Discretionary Housing Payments.
If you wish to apply please Contact us about benefits or download the DHP Application form (PDF document [40.5Kb]).
Discretionary Housing Payments for council tax
Some customers find the shortfall between their council tax and their council tax benefit causes financial strain and hardship.
These are the customers who should apply for Discretionary Housing Payments.
If you wish to apply please Contact the Council.
Last updated : 30/01/2012
