Not enough benefit?
If you do not agree with our decision, for example if you think you are entitled to benefit and we have said you are not, or if you think you should get more benefit because we have made a mistake, you can:
- ask for an explanation of how we made our decision or calculated your benefit
- ask us to look at our decision again
- or you can appeal.
» More about how to appeal
Discretionary Housing Payments
If you think we have calculated your benefit correctly, but you need more help with your housing costs (which can include council tax) you can apply for a discretionary housing payment.
What are Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)?
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are extra help with your rent or council tax that we can pay you if you already get Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. We must be satisfied that you need more help with your housing costs, and that it is reasonable to make a payment.
Your total benefit plus any DHP payments must not be more than your contractual rent or your council tax.
The Government strictly limits the money we can spend on this scheme. This means that the payments must, in effect, be rationed so your DHP is unlikely to cover the shortfall in your housing costs in full, and it will probably only last for a limited period of time.
How do I claim a DHP?
You must complete an application form to claim a DHP. You can either:
- Complete a DHP application form online
- Apply by 'phone on 020 8496 8550, or ask them to send you a form
- Download a copy of the DHP Form (56KB Word file), fill it in and send it to us
- Email your request to the Benefit Service
- Visit a Customer Service Centre or Leyton Library
It is important that you provide as much information as possible when you make your claim. If you do not, we may have to refuse to make an award.
How will I be paid?
DHPs are usually paid as an addition to your regular Housing Benefit payments although we do sometimes make a single one-off payment where this is appropriate.
DHP awards are usually only made for a limited period. This is to give you time to find suitable cheaper accommodation or to find another way of meeting your housing costs. We will tell you how long any award is for when we write to you to tell you about your application.
How much can I get?
The total of your benefit plus discretionary housing payment (DHP) may not exceed your contractual rent or your council tax liability.
This means that the most we can pay is the shortfall between your housing benefit and your contractual rent, or the shortfall between your council tax benefit and your full council tax (after any discounts).
However, it is unlikely that any award will cover all of the shortfall. We generally expect people who are awarded a DHP to pay at least £5.00 a week towards the difference between their housing costs and their total benefit entitlement.
Contact Us
Please contact the Benefit Service if you have any queries.
