Find out if you can get any extra help with your rent
If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (which includes an element for housing costs) but need extra help with rent, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
DHP in certain circumstances to:
- temporarily help with housing costs
- help those affected by a reduction to their benefit caused by the benefit cap or 'bedroom tax’
- help claimants through difficult, temporary, personal events
It is also important to note that:
- we don't often meet the entire shortfall in your housing costs
- payments are from a limited fund and if the fund is exhausted we may not be able to help
- payments are usually awarded for short periods only
- It cannot cover ineligible services such as meals or water rates.
Council Tax Discretionary Fund
If you have unusual or extreme circumstances which are causing hardship we may be able to help with Council Tax arrears through the Council Tax Discretionary Fund. This is a small fund that is applied on discretion, payments will only be considered where funds remain available.
Each case is decided based on the individual circumstances and when considering if you would be entitled to this discretionary help we will take into account:
- Income and Expenditure
- Cause and temporary nature of need
- Whether you can demonstrate that you are seeking help and advice to manage household finances
- That non priority expenditure is at a minimum.
Discretionary Housing Payments and Council Tax Discretionary Fund are only ever intended to be temporary and should not be relied on. It is expected that households will look to seek cheaper or smaller accommodation, take advice / seek support to manage finances and where appropriate reduce non priority spend.
How to apply
What happens next
Once you submit your form, we will send you an email confirmation. It's really important that you get all the information we've requested to us as soon as possible, otherwise your claim could be delayed. If we have everything we need, we aim to provide you with an outcome within 21 working days.
Ask for an explanation or review of you application
Re-applying for DHP
If you want to reapply after an initial award we will only consider claims if you're able to show that you have special circumstances or that you've taken steps to help your circumstances. This would include seeking cheaper accommodation, additional income or help with your budget.