What is it?

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are payments awarded, by the Council, from a cash-limited fund, where severe exceptional circumstances mean you need additional help with Housing costs.

DHPs do not cover the cost of ineligible services which are included in your rent such as fuel, meals etc. It is a temporary "top up" to your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit to help you through a difficult period, particularly financial hardship. They are not intended as long-term payments. You must be eligible for some Housing Benefit or Council tax benefit before you can claim from the DHP fund.

Can I claim a DHP?

You can make a claim for a DHP if;

• you currently get Housing Benefit(HB) or Council Tax Benefit(CTB)
• your HB or CTB is less than the full amount of your Rent or Council Tax
• the council is satisfied that you need more help with housing costs  for example help to move to a cheaper property or rent in advance on a cheaper property.

How do we decide who gets a DHP?

We look at things like:

• your total income and savings
• whether anyone else can help you financially
• any loans or debts you are repaying
• whether you could ease the situation yourself by re-arranging your outgoings
• whether you or anyone in your household has any special needs or health issues
• whether you are in arrears with rent and/or Council Tax

How are DHPs paid?

Although they are not classed as Housing Benefit payments we add them on to your HB  or CTB award. So, if you are a private tenant, you would get your DHP payment added to your rent allowance. Council tax DHP would be credited to your bill.

How can I make a claim?

For more information on DHPs please visit our Forms & Leaflets to download page to print off a form.  Send your form back to us at Benefits Unit, DHP, Queen's Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, Notts, S80 2AH.  You can also phone to make an appointment with a money advisor in one of our one stop shops or help-points, on Worksop 01909 533710 or email us at customer.services@bassetlaw.gov.uk and we will send you a form.