Discretionary Housing Payments
Additional financial help
We are given a limited amount of money each year to help residents who are in need of extra financial help to meet their housing costs.
To qualify for a payment you must be receiving housing benefit or council tax benefit. You need to satisfy us that there are good reasons for giving you extra help. Not everyone who applies can be given an award, so the more you tell us the better.
We cannot pay for any charges that are not eligible for benefit and the maximum we can pay cannot exceed your eligible rent costs or council tax liability.
We will look at each case on its merits. We consider things like:
- The size of the shortfall
- Health or disability
- Why it's unreasonable to have to move
- How long the help will last
These are just examples, you need to tell us all you can.
We have produced a claim form Discretionary Housing Payment Form (PDF, 256KB) that prompts you for the sort of information we need. You can also apply in writing or by email. We will accept claims on the claimants behalf, where we believe it is reasonable to do so.
We may ask you to provide evidence in support of your claim.
Page updated: 17 Nov 2011
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