Discretionary Housing Payments - Extra benefits for those on Housing Benefit
 

A little known benefit in addition to Housing Benefit, is the Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme. It is administered by your local authority council - from same department that deals with you Housing Benefit normally.

Discretionary Housing Payments are for those suffering financial hardship, and come from a different fund to the Housing Benefit Fund. They are not part of the Housing Benefit payments scheme, though they are run by same department and people most of the time.

From April 2008 they can be used to "top up" payments of Local Housing Allowance (Housing Benefit for private tenants).
 

• The Payments cannot be paid for  "non rent" items. This includes things such as water rates or service charges.
• The amount of the Payment cannot be more than the shortfall between the amount of benefit paid and the person’s liability for rent/Council Tax. ie If the difference/shortfall between your total housing benefit and your rent to pay is say, £36.00, then the discretionary housing payment cannot be more than the £36.00 shortfall.
•  The Payment cannot be used to top up a Second Adult Rebate.
• Discretionary Housing Payments should not be thought of as benefits payments. There is no 'Right' to get one. Your local authority has the discretion about the circumstances in which they will allocate a Discretionary Housing Payment.
• The local council must have a system for reviewing any payments and decisions for Discretionary Housing Payments.
• You must be entitled to Housing or Council Tax Benefit before you can claim for Housing Discretionary Payments. You must also need financial help over and above Housing or Council Tax Benefits to meet your housing costs rental costs.
•  The local authority has the right to decide how long you can be paid Discretionary Housing Payments. Payments will not be for more than the housing costs you are liable to pay.

How to Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment

You should contact the Benefits Section at your normal housing office or neighbourhood office for the application form. If you enquire about Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, then this may also be enough to be taken as an application for a Discretionary Housing Payment if it is thought necessary.

The payment is ignored for any means tested benefits - such as Income Support. It is not taken into the calculations for this.