Discretionary Housing Payment policy - Council policies, strategies and procedures

The Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000 introduced a scheme of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) with effect from 02 July 2001, and provided for under The Discretionary Financial Assistance Regulations 2001 (as amended). These payments are designed to enhance a person’s entitlement to Housing Benefit (HB) or the housing element of Universal Credit, where the Local Authority identifies that the customer needs additional help with their housing costs. There is no statutory duty to pay Discretionary Housing Payments and awards are made solely at the Local Authority’s discretion. Discretionary Housing Payments can only be awarded where there is an entitlement to housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

The purpose of this policy is to specify how Hoople Ltd will operate the DHP scheme on behalf of Herefordshire Council and indicates some of the factors that will be considered when deciding if a DHP will be awarded in individual cases.

Discretionary Housing Payment policy

Discretionary Housing Payments