Discretionary Housing Payments

This is a scheme that came into operation in July 2001. It is not part of the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit scheme, but you have to be receiving either Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefit to apply.

The scheme allows the Council to give further help towards housing costs where it is satisfied that more financial assistance is needed.

What is meant by 'housing costs'?
We mean your eligible council tax or rent.
It does not include help towards:
 - Water rates or fuel bills
 - Extra payments that you have to make because you are behind with your council tax or rent payments
 - Ineligible services for Housing Benefit such as meals, fuel charges, or personal care

If you do not qualify for any council tax benefit in your own right but you get “second adult rebate” you cannot apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment to meet the shortfall between the second adult rebate and your council tax liability.

Who can claim?
In most cases this will be the person who is getting Housing or Council Tax Benefit, but we can accept claims from someone acting on your behalf if we think it is reasonable to do so.

How much can I get?
This depends on your personal circumstances. You cannot get more than your council tax or rent liability.

Can I claim for extra help because I am getting reduced payments due to a suspension of benefit or sanction?
No.

If I don’t qualify for any council tax benefit but I get my rent paid in full, can I apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment towards my council tax?
No. You must qualify for some council tax benefit to start with.

If I don’t qualify for any housing benefit but I get my council tax benefit paid in full, can I apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment towards my rent?
No. You must qualify for some housing benefit to start with.

How do I apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment?
You will need to complete the form which you can download at the foot of the page.

Forms are also available by telephoning (01432) 260333, from any INFO point, or from the Revenues and Benefits Services enquiry office located at Garrick House, Widemarsh Street, Hereford, HR4 9EU

Once you have completed the form it should be returned to:
The Benefits Section
Revenues & Benefits Services
Herefordshire Council
PO Box 224
Hereford
HR1 2XW.

What happens next?
We will look at your circumstances, taking into account things like your family’s needs, how much you are paying out each week and any savings, investments or other money you have access to. When we have made a decision we will write and tell you whether or not you qualify, and, if you do, how much you will get. We may need to ask you for more information before we can make a decision but we will try and tell you our decision within one month.

How do I appeal?
If you disagree with our decision you can appeal. This must be done in writing within one month of the date on the decision letter. The Officer that deals with the appeal will not be the same person that made the original decision.

If I get a Discretionary Housing Payment, how long will I get it for?
This will depend on your circumstances and how much money the Council has left to spend. Once the Council has spent its cash limit we will not be able to give you any extra help.

If I get a Discretionary Housing Payment, how will it be paid?
If you pay rent to a Private Landlord or Housing Association it will be paid at the same time, and included with, your rent allowance payment. If you need help towards your council tax payments it will be credited to your council tax account.

What happens if I am overpaid a Discretionary Housing Payment?
You will have to pay any overpaid money back to us. We will send you a bill for this.

Can a Discretionary Housing Payment be backdated?
Yes, but only if you were getting housing benefit or council tax benefit at the time you want your claim to start from. We will decide whether your claim can be backdated taking into account your circumstances at that time and the funds available.

If you wish to know more about Discretionary Housing Payments please contact us.

This information is intended for general guidance only. It should not be treated as a statement of law.