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Discretionary Housing payments

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are payments that we may be able to make to give you further assistance towards your housing costs, where your costs are not already met in full by benefit.

To qualify for a DHP you must be entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (including the housing element) and need further help to meet your costs.

DHPs are not payments of Housing Benefit but are made from a separate fund of money, allocated each year by the Government.

There are no prescribed rules for awarding a DHP. Each application is looked at on its own merits. For this reason we need to ask questions about your household, your rent, your income and outgoings.

Below are some examples of when a DHP may be made:

  • A pregnant woman moves into a home that will be suitable for her and her baby (when born). The maximum entitlement is restricted because the property is considered to be too large for one person prior to the birth of the baby.
  • A disabled person lives in a ground floor flat near to a clinic they attend for therapy. They could get a cheaper flat but it would not suit their needs and it would mean higher transport costs that they cannot afford.
  • A claimant's partner has died within the last twelve months resulting in reduced income.
  • If you are at threat of losing your home due to falling into rent arrears due to circumstances beyond your control.
  • If you need to move house and require rent in advance, please note you must already be in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with housing element at your current address.

We have a policy to make DHPs for a maximum period of 13 weeks at a time.

You may be asked to attend an interview.

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