What are Discretionary Housing Payments?

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are an independent scheme administered by authorities which also administer Housing/Council Tax Benefit. They are not a form of Housing/Council Tax Benefit, and so the Housing/Council Tax Benefit appeals procedures do not apply.

Who can get a Discretionary Housing Payment?

Discretionary Housing Payments could be used for such things as;

Making up the shortfall in eligible rent where the rent has been restricted by the Rent Officer Service or the Local Housing Allowance rates.

Where your entitlement to Housing/Council Tax Benefit has been calculated based upon your income and capital and your full rent/Council Tax is not being met.

To make up the effect of Non- Dependant deductions.

Discretionary Housing Payment cannot be awarded towards any of the following;

• Ineligible services or support charges.
• Any rent liability, if you are entitled to Council Tax Benefit only; vice versa Council Tax Benefit, if you are only entitled to Housing Benefit.
• Housing /Council Tax Benefit has been suspended.   

It is a discretionary scheme and therefore there are no rigid rules, if you are not sure if you would qualify for Discretionary Housing Benefit please complete this form Discretionary Housing Payments (xls). You can also obtain this form by contacting our offices by telephone or written request and we will send these details in the post to you.

To gain general advice and guidance about Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit in the uk, please visit www.benefit-leaflets.org. These leaflets are available in several languages.