Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are for claimants of housing and/or
council tax benefits who need further help with their housing costs either with rent and/or council
tax.
DHPs are separate payments that are administered by the Housing
Benefit office.
DHPs are made at the discretion of the local authority.
Example
The Rent Officer decides the amount of “rent” that the Benefit
Officer uses to calculate benefit. The benefit paid may then be lower than the rent shown on the
tenancy agreement. If the claimant is suffering due to this Rent Restriction, because the benefit paid
is lower than the full rent, the claimant can ask for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to cover
the shortfall.
The Council may increase the rent figure to the full eligible rent where it
is satisfied that there is a need for additional help with housing costs.
A DHP could help you to pay some or all of the difference required to meet
the full council tax cost.
You may NOT apply for a DHP if you are in receipt of Second Adult Rebate.
If benefit is suspended - a DHP should also not be paid.
A DHP would not be awarded if you are “sanctioned on JSA”.
There
are no specific appeal arrangements because DHPs are stand alone discretionary payments, not payments
of benefit. However if you disagree with our decision you may ask us to review it.
Other scenarios which may cause shortfall and require
a need for additional help
Where prolonged sickness has caused extra expenditure
Where a burglary has depleted cash held in the home.
Wages have not been paid due to unforeseen circumstances. Your letter should
explain the circumstances which have led to the shortfall you are experiencing.
To
claim a Discretionary Housing Payment you need to write to the Principal Benefit Officer
explaining the reasons for your request. (this is not exhaustive)
Benefit Office, PO Box 292, Staines,
TW18 1UY
Housing costs do not include ineligible service charges e.g. heat, water,
meals.
The Council may need to know if you have tried to negotiate
a rent reduction with the Landlord.
The Council may need to know if you are looking for a property at a lower
cost and why it would be difficult to find suitable cheaper alternative accommodation.
Before DHPs are awarded the Council must be satisfied that there are no other
means of alleviating the shortfall.
The Council may not necessarily award the full rent/council tax amount and
any payment would be for a limited period, but could be reapplied for at the end of that period.
DHPs cannot be given where the claimant is already in receipt of the maximum
benefit.
Each case must be decided on its own special circumstances.
DHPs cannot be given where there is no actual entitlement to benefit.
