Discretionary Housing Payments are a type of extra benefit. Discretionary means that the Council is allowed to decide in which circumstances this extra benefit will be paid. This extra benefit is intended to help those people most in need of help with their housing costs such as rent and Council Tax.
The benefit can be paid to people suffering exceptional hardship or with exceptional circumstances, but before benefit can be granted the following must apply:
- The claimant must be entitled to Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit.
- They must require further help with housing costs.
- The Council must have sufficient funds available to cover the cost.
We cannot pay this benefit:
- To cover service charges.
- To cover charges for water or sewerage services.
- For rent where the claimant only qualifies for Council Tax Benefit, or for Council Tax where the claimant only qualifies for Housing Benefit.
- Where Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit is withheld or suspended.
- To top up Second Adult Rebate payments.
How to apply
Applications must be made in writing and posted to the address below or alternatively handed in at any of the local housing offices. You must state your reasons for exceptional hardship or exceptional circumstances.
