Discretionary Housing Payments

Discretionary Housing Payments provide financial help for a short period to help you out of a difficult financial situation.

Examples of circumstances when a Discretionary Housing Payment might be awarded are:

• if you are having unavoidable extra expenses due to unusual circumstances such as someone being ill or in hospital
• if you are having difficulty paying the shortfall in your rent because your rent is restricted to less than the full rent and you do not want to get into arrears while you are seeking cheaper alternative accommodation
• if there are special reasons why you need to stay in the accommodation

A Discretionary Housing Payment cannot help you with:

• ineligible charges e.g. heating, water rates
• your rent if you are only entitled to Council Tax Support
• increase to cover rent arrears

Can I receive a Discretionary Housing Payment?

You must be getting Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs to be able to receive a Discretionary Housing Payment.

The funding comes from Central Government and is limited each year so we cannot help everyone who applies.

Each individual case will be considered on its own merits. We will look at the individual circumstances of your claim and will consider the other options available to you before deciding whether to award a Discretionary Housing Payment.

The amount awarded is entirely at the discretion of the Council.

Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment

To help us decide if you should get more help, please answer the questions on the form below. Before you start this form, please make sure you have a copy of the following documents to upload:

• your last two monthly bank statements
• an up-to-date rent statement
• proof of Universal Credit 
• proof of rent liability

Apply for Discretionary Housing Payment