What are Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP’s?)

DHP’s are additional housing payments that a local authority can make to top up a client’s existing housing or council tax benefit. This can only be done if there is actually a shortfall between the rent or council tax due and the amount of benefit being paid. The award can cover all or part of the shortfall in question depending on the individual circumstances and amount of help required.

DHP’s can also be awarded where there is no Rent Service rental restriction, but where the client is liable to pay some of the rent or council tax from their own income (i.e. partial benefit entitlement only).

DHP can never pay above the actual rent or council tax liability. DHP cannot be paid where there is no entitlement to benefit.

The Department of Work and Pensions states that DHP’s can only be paid where:

• The client is eligible for benefit
• There is a shortfall in the rent/council tax and the amount of benefit paid
• The shortfall is not due to ineligible services (lighting/heating included in the rent)
• The shortfall is not due to charges for water, sewerage or environmental services.
• The shortfall is not due to outstanding rent arrears added into the rental charge by the landlord

Would a DHP award prevent an eviction (actual or potential)?

Where there is a potential or actual threat of eviction to the client authorities may consider payment of DHP to prevent homelessness. Authorities may consider the emotional, physical and social costs to the household.

In addition, authorities may also consider the impact that the eviction would have on subsequent availability of rented accommodation from the same landlord or agent.

The Rent Service will restrict the amount of benefit payable if they decide that the property is more expensive than average for that location.

They will consider:

• Are there actually cheaper properties available in the area?
• Do you need to live in a particular area that may be more expensive?
• Did you have to choose the property quickly? (This could be because of circumstances surrounding your last accommodation)
• Did you have a more restricted choice of property? This could be due to CCJs or other court judgments against you or because you need ground floor/adapted accommodation etc.)

The Rent Service will restrict the amount of benefit payable if the property is under-occupied.

They will consider:

• Are there alternative smaller properties available?
• Are you expecting a baby?
• Do you have access/joint custody of children not deemed as resident at the property?
• Do you (or a family member) have medical reasons for needing additional room(s)?

For further information on Discretionary Housing Payments, please contact Housing Options.