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Housing and Council Tax Benefits - Discretionary Housing Payments
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.
Helpline numbers:

01784 446457
01784 446374