SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
STRUGGLING to meet the costs of your rent?
Discretionary Housing Payments may be able to help
If you are struggling to pay your rent as well (as being able to claim Housing benefit to meet the costs of renting) you may also be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
Councils get a yearly pot of money to help people who claim housing benefit but who are still struggling with housing costs. This may be because there is a rent shortfall after the claim is made which could be due to the bedroom tax or another reduction in housing benefit.
DHPs can also cover a tenancy deposit, rent in advance and removal expenses if you decide to move.
A claim has to be made to your local authority on a form and you will need to explain in detail why you are having trouble paying the rent from your total household income. This could be for a variety of reasons such as extra health expenses or additional expenditure because you are caring for someone or you have been affected by the bedroom tax.
Your council decides how DHPs are allocated and each case will be different. There is no precise set of rules the council uses to decide so you need to give as much information as possible so they can reach a decision. Each case will be looked at individually and if successful you may get enough to cover all your rent or just part of it. DHPs may be paid weekly or can be a lump sum. Payments can also be backdated.
Your local CAB can help you make an application and help you to ask for a reconsideration if you are refused. They can also assist with other housing options that might help you long term because DHPs are only designed to be paid for short periods. The council may expect you to make longer-term changes in your budgeting or housing situation to try and resolve the issue.
More information on DHP’s can be found on the CAB Adviceguide website www.adviceguide.org.uk or call /visit your local CAB.
For further information and advice, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or see www.adviceguide.org.uk.
Your local bureau – South Worcestershire Citizens Advice Bureau at Malvern Heights, Chequers Close, Enigma Business Park, Malvern, WR14 1BF is open:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm, Wednesday (Specialist Debt Advice - by appointment).
Tel: 01684 563611
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here