Discretionary Housing Payment

What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?

Discretionary Housing Payments (or DHPs) are payments made in addition to Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, or both, to give you more help towards your housing costs if these costs are not already met by benefit.

These payments are made from a separate fund that the Government gives to Councils every year.  We only have a limited amount of money we

can spend so each case is looked at individually.

Circumstances in which a Discretionary Housing Payment can be considered.

Below are some examples of times when a DHP would be considered

• Your rent increases but we are unable to refer your rent to the rent officer
• You are unable to pay the shortfall in your rent due to high medical expenses.
• You are waiting for another benefit but are struggling financially in the meantime

Circumstances in which a Discretionary Housing Payment cannot be paid.

There are certain circumstances where a DHP would not be awarded.  Examples of these are:

• When you are not entitled to Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.
• To cover the recovery of an overpayment
• To cover ineligible service charges

How do I claim a Discretionary Housing Payment?

Write to the Benefit Section at the address below

Visit any of the One Stop Shops

Email the Benefit Section

Telephone the Benefit Section.

We may ask you to make an appointment with us, at the Town Hall, so that we can discuss this request with you.

When making your request please include details about your:

• Income
• Outgoings
• Housing costs
• Special circumstances

REMEMBER It is your duty to notify us about ANY changes in your circumstances.  Do not rely on the Department for Work and Pensions or your Landlord to tell us about any changes.

For more information or advice:

Visit your local One Stop Shop at:

• The Town Hall
• Batchley Road Shops
• Winyates Centre
• Woodrow Centre

Contact us on (01527) 534050

Email us on hbenefits@redditchbc.gov.uk

Or write to us at:

Information and advice on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit can also be found on our website:

www.redditchbc.gov.uk/benefit

You can get independent advice from an organisation like the Citizens Advice Bureau.  They can be contacted on 0870 1264142