Discretionary housing payments

The Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme grants the Local Authority the power to award an additional payment to people in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit who need more help with their housing costs.

How we make a decision

When considering your application, the following points will be taken into account:

  • Would a one-off payment to support housing costs help to secure or retain an affordable tenancy?
  • Are you at risk of eviction or homelessness if a shortfall in rent is not met, and can short-term assistance help you to stay in your home?
  • How much is the shortfall, and what else do you pay out that might make it harder to meet the shortfall in your housing costs?
  • What steps are you taking to try to resolve this situation?
  • What other money do you have available that might be used to help meet the shortfall? This includes disregarded income or savings.
  • Is it possible to ask the landlord to reduce the rent, or for you to move to cheaper accommodation?
  • Can anyone else living in the household help financially towards the shortfall?
  • Are there any health issues to be considered?
  • Can any other services help, such as social services?
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