Discretionary Housing Payment
What is Discretionary Housing Payment?
On 2nd July 2001 the Government introduced the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme, known as a DHP. This allows Councils to make additional payments to people who receive Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit who appear to need further help with rent and/or Council Tax payments. These are not intended to be long term payments; they are awarded on a short term basis while the person takes appropriate action to improve their circumstances.
How do I get Discretionary Housing Payment?
To be considered for DHP you must complete an application form and send it to us along with all evidence of income and expenditure. If you would like help filling in the form, please email us at benefits@fenland.gov.uk, ring us on 01354-654321 or visit one of our Fenland @ Your Service Shops.
You can also download and complete the 
Discretionary Housing Payment Form [97kb]
What do I need to tell you?
When you complete the form we will need to know why you think you should get an additional payment towards your rent (we are not allowed legally to use DHP to help with your Council Tax), what your circumstances are, any action you have taken to help yourself and anything else you think may help us make a decision. You should supply as much detail as possible so that we fully understand your situation.
You will also need to tell us about all the money coming into your household (income) and all the money you pay out each week/month (expenditure).
When you have completed and returned your form we will consider all aspects of your circumstances before we decide if we can award you a Discretionary Housing Payment. We may wish to contact you at your home or ask you to come into the office to discuss your application further.
How will we make a decision about Discretionary Housing Payment?
We will consider all requests for Discretionary Housing payments while trying to ensure that payments are made to those most in need.
There is no list of circumstances that will automatically result in an award of Discretionary Housing Payments. Each request will be considered on its own merits, but you will need to demonstrate that you do not have the means to pay the shortfall in your rent yourself and that you have not intentionally taken on a tenancy that you knew you could not afford. Wherever it is possible and reasonable to do so, you will be expected to take steps to improve the circumstances that have led to the need for a Discretionary Housing Payment, for example - finding more affordable accommodation.
Can I claim Discretionary Housing Payment to cover all my housing costs?
Discretionary Housing Payment cannot be awarded for any of the following:
- Ineligible service or support charges;
- Council Tax payments;
- Increases in your rent to cover rent arrears;
- Reductions in your benefit as a result of Child Support;
- Reductions in your benefit as a result of an overpayment of Housing Benefit;
- Amounts of Housing Benefit that have been suspended.
What if my request is turned down?
If your application for Discretionary Housing Payment is turned down and there is something you feel we have not considered or were not aware of; we will look at your decision again if you write to us within one month of the date that we inform you that your claim has been refused.
For more information please contact us.
