If someone is currently receiving partial Housing Benefit i.e. the amount does not cover the rent in full, they could apply to the Council for a Discretionary Housing Payment. This is an amount of money which can ‘top up’ the Housing Benefit on a temporary basis to help people struggling financially.

There does not need to be any specific reason why only partial Housing Benefit is received–reasons could include the removal of the spare room subsidy, the benefit cap or because people are working. Private tenants, housing association tenants and council tenants can all apply.

We cannot award a Discretionary Housing Payment if Housing Benefit currently covers their rent in full or if they do not receive any Housing Benefit.

Discretionary Housing Payment will not be awarded to cover services such as water rates or heating which may be included in the rent.

Discretionary Housing Payments are normally only awarded on a short term basis to provide temporary additional help, although we can make awards for up to 52 weeks at a time. Applicants can re-apply for additional help even if they have previously made a successful claim. When considering any application we will look at all the circumstances such as weekly income and outgoings, take into account any unusual or unexpected expenses – for example, do they have a medical condition which requires a specific diet? Are people making repayments towards previous debts or rent arrears?