Discretionary Housing Payments

What are Discretionary Housing Payments?

Discretionary Housing Payment's are payments separate to those made in the form of Housing and Council Tax Benefit but in order to apply for it you need to be in receipt of these Benefit's.  To be considered for Discretionary payments towards your Rent, you must currently be receiving Housing Benefit and for additional assistance towards your Council Tax, you must be getting Council Tax Benefit. 

The scheme allows the Local Authority to give further help towards Housing and Council Tax costs if the amount of benefit you receive is less than your rent or Council Tax

Unfortunately we cannot give a Discretionary Housing Payment to cover the cost of things included in your rent like fuel, water, meals or personal care.  Also we cannot give help towards any extra payments you have to make because you are behind with your Council Tax or rent payments

Who can claim?

• If you get Housing Benefit you can claim a Discretionary Housing Payment to help pay your rent
• If you get Council Tax Benefit you can claim a Discretionary Housing Payment to help pay your Council Tax

How much can I get and for how long?

This depends on your personal circumstances.  You cannot get more than your Council Tax or rent liability

The length of time a Discretionary Housing Payment can be awarded for is dependant on your individual circumstances

How do I apply?

You can download a copy of the form by clicking on the link below:

Discretionary Housing Payment Form

Alternatively you can obtain a copy of the form by:

• Calling us on 01527 881288
• Calling into Bromsgrove District Customer Service Centre, School Drive, Bromsgrove
• Email the Benefits Section at benefits@bromsgrove.gov.uk.  
• writing to us

What happens once I have applied?

We will look at things like:

• Your total income, this may include income normally disregarded; for benefit purposes
• Whether your have any savings;
• Whether anyone else in the house is able to help financially;
• Whether you have any loans or debts still to pay;
• Whether you could rearrange your finances to ease the situation
• Whether you or your family have any special circumstances, like ill health or disability

If Discretionary Housing Payment is awarded how will I be paid?

If your application is successful, we will usually pay your Discretionary Housing Payment with any Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit that you get

What happens if I disagree with the decision?

If you disagree with our decision, you should write to us within one calendar month of the date of the letter telling you about the decision

We will then look at your claim again and write to you with our decision

What if my circumstances change?

If your circumstances change you must notify us immediately.  We will then look at your Discretionary Housing Payment again and see whether it needs to be changed