Discretionary housing payments
What is a discretionary housing payment?
- It is extra help with housing costs for people on housing benefit or council tax benefit who we think are in need of additional help
- It is aimed at people on benefit who are finding it exceptionally hard to meet their rent or council tax payments through circumstances beyond their control
- It is an independent cash limited fund administered by the benefits office
- It is not a payment of housing benefit or council tax benefit and the appeals procedure does not apply although we will revisit a decision should you request it
What are housing costs?
- Housing costs are your council tax liability and your eligible rent
- Eligible rent does not include any service charges e.g. electricity, heating, or water charges that may be included in your rent payment
Who can claim?
- You must already be in receipt of housing benefit and/or council tax benefit to claim a discretionary housing payment
- Claims where second adult rebate only is in payment cannot be considered
How do I apply?
- To claim a discretionary housing payment you will need to complete our online form
- Applicants will need to provide the benefits office with as much information as possible so a decision can be made
Alternatively you can:
Download an application form for you to send back to us.
- If you are a council tenant or own your own home, download your application form here
- If you are a private or a housing association tenant, download your application form here
Request an application form be posted to you.
Please complete the form and return to the benefits service at the address on the left hand side of this page, or alternatively you can hand it in at one of our Customer Service Centres.
How is it paid?
- A discretionary housing payment towards rent is paid in addition to, and is included in, your housing benefit payments
- A discretionary housing payment towards council tax is credited to your council tax account
Please also see the download a guide to discretionary housing payments for further information.
Last updated 04/04/2012