If you still need extra financial help with your housing costs you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
Discretionary Housing Payments are to help people cover the top up in their rent. Other than rent a DHP can also be claimed for a rent deposit, but only if you can prove that the property that you are moving to will be financially cheaper for you to live in.
These payments are only short term and will cover your costs for only as long as we see they are needed. At the end of the payments you can reapply for another DHP if you still think that you need extra help.
Claiming a Discretionary Housing Payment
To claim for DHP you must qualify for Housing Benefit or Housing costs with Universal Credit and get less than the full amount e.g. if a deduction is made from your Benefit for someone else living in your home, or the rent used in your Benefit assessment is less than the amount you have to pay.
You cannot claim for DHP if you got enough notice of a change in legislation which would mean you would get less Housing Benefit or Universal Housing costs unless you can prove that:
- you have tried to change your situation, or
- you have had problems that has made it difficult to handle your shortfall
How to Apply
To claim for Discretionary Housing Payment, go to Discretionary Housing Payment.
Reconsideration
If after you have applied you disagree with our decision you must contact us and ask for a reconsideration of the decision.
You can ask for reconsideration by:
- using our online reconsideration form or
- by writing to us giving details about the decision you wish us to reconsider
You must do this within 1 month of the date you are told of our decision. If you send in your reconsideration after 1 month the officer will decide whether she/he considers that there were good reasons for the delay.
Your case will then be reconsidered by a member of the Benefits Management Team who will decide the final result. You cannot appeal against this final decision.
To view our policy on Discretionary Housing Payments please see related downloads.