Discretionary Housing Payments

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Lines open 9am to 5pm - Monday to Friday
Council Tax and Business Rates: 01903 221061
Housing and Council Tax Benefit: 01903 221062

revsbens@worthing.gov.uk

Introduction

Introduction

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP's) are additional regular payments to help you pay your rent, Council Tax or both.  We give DHP's to people in receipt of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit where it is considered that help is needed with their housing costs because they are experiencing severe financial difficulties.

The Government gives the Council a limited amount of money to pay out each year as DHP's and we cannot spend more than is given.

We cannot give DHP's for the following:

• Service charges not covered by Housing Benefit
• Solely to clear rent arrears
• To cover deductions made from your Housing Benefit award in respect of an overpayment
• When your Housing or Council Tax Benefit is suspended
• Rent, if you are only entitled to Council Tax Benefit
• Council Tax, if you are only entitled to Housing Benefit
• If the only benefit you get is Second Adult Rebate

How do I apply?

How do I apply for a DHP?

You can only apply for a DHP if you are currently entitled to Housing or Council Tax Benefit.  You can download [link] an application form or request one by telephoning Customer Services on 01903 221062 or by visiting the Public Enquiry Counter at the Town Hall.

How do you decide?

How do you decide if I can have a DHP?

We look at the following things when we make a decision:

• Your income
• Your savings
• Whether anyone else in your household can help you
• Whether you have any loans or debts
• Whether you could manage your money better
• Whether you or any family member is ill or disabled
• Whether you have tried to put the situation right yourself

We will ask you for a lot of information and may ask you to come in and see us at the Town Hall to discuss your claim in more detail.

We will send you a letter telling you about our decision.  If your application is declined, the reasons for the decision will be included in the letter.  If we award you a DHP we will tell you in the letter how much has been awarded and for how long.

How much & for how long?

How much can I get and for how long?

This will depend on your circumstances because we look at each case individually.  For Housing Benefit, we cannot give you more than your total rent (less amounts for services such as water rates).  For Council Tax Benefit, we cannot give you more than the amount of your Council Tax.  Due to the limited funds that are available, we cannot support people indefinitely.

Payment

How will you pay the DHP if my application is successful?

We will usually pay it with any Housing Benefit payments that you or your landlord receives.  People applying for assistance to pay their Council Tax and who already receive Council Tax Benefit will have their award credited to their Council Tax account.

Appeals

What should I do if I disagree with your decision?

If you disagree with our decision

• Not to award a DHP
• About the amount of the award
• How long the award will last

You can ask us to look at the decision again.  This should be done in writing within one calendar month of the date of the decision letter, telling us why you do not agree with our decision.  You cannot appeal to the Tribunals Service about a DHP, but you can appeal to a panel of Councillors.

Change of circs

What should I do if my circumstances change?

If your circumstances change, you must tell us in writing straight away.  We will look at your DHP award again to see whether we need to change it.  If the change means that we have to reduce your award you might have to pay back some or all of the money that's already been paid to you.

Further advice

Where can I get more advice?

Please contact the Customer Services team if you want more help and advice on 01903 221062.  An information leaflet is also available to download.

Alternatively, you may be able to get independent advice from Citizens Advice or another welfare rights service.

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