Discretionary housing payments
What is discretionary housing payment?
Discretionary housing payments are not payments of housing/council tax benefit.
Discretionary housing payments are payments which are made in addition to housing/council tax benefit if we consider that additional help with housing costs is needed.
Who can claim?
The person entitled to housing/council tax benefit can make a claim or someone acting on behalf of the person concerned (an appointee) can also make a claim.
How can I make a claim?
You must ask the authority to send you the discretionary housing payment claim form.
Will I be entitled to discretionary housing payments?
Each case is looked at separately. Discretionary housing payments provide financial help to people who:
- Are entitled to housing benefit or council tax benefit or to both;
and
- Appear to such an authority to require some further financial assistance (in addition to the benefit or benefits to which they are entitled) in order to meet housing costs
What are "housing costs"?
Housing costs are the amount of council tax you have to pay and your eligible rent.
The following are not included, and discretionary housing payments will not be paid in respect of them:
(a) Certain elements of rent:
- Ineligible service charges
- Water, sewerage and environmental services
- Increase in rent due to outstanding rent arrears
(b) Alternative maximum council tax benefit (second adult rebate)
Discretionary housing payments cannot meet any shortfall between the second adult rebate and the amount of council tax you are liable to pay.
How much can I claim?
The council will decide the amount of the payments that you are entitled to and the period for which the payments will be made.
Your entitlement to discretionary housing payments will be reconsidered each time you complete an application form.
The council is given an amount each year to spend. Once the money has been spent no further discretionary housing payment can be awarded in that financial year.
Independent advice
If you think your benefit is wrong please see our appeals pages.
