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Discretionary Housing Allowance

What is it?

houses image 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.

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

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 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 click on the picture below to or go to our Forms & Leaflets to download page to print off a form.

Send your form back to us at;

Benefits Unit

DHP

Queens Buildings

Potter Street

Worksop

Notts

S80 2AH

or phone us to make an appointment with an advisor in one of our one stop shops or helpoints, on Worksop 01909 533198 or 01777 713808 or email us at benefits@bassetlaw.gov.uk and we will send you a form.