Discretionary housing payments can give you extra financial help if you're already getting housing benefit or the housing element of universal credit but you're still finding it hard to pay your rent.
They're awarded at the council's discretion and money is limited, which means that they are usually only made for short periods and are only given in cases of extreme financial hardship.
Awards will usually only be made if there is evidence to show that:
- you're suffering severe financial hardship and finding it difficult to meet your "essential" living expenses, such as rent, council tax, food and utility bills and
- you or your family have exceptional circumstances, for example, you have a severe illness or disability that prevents you from moving to cheaper accommodation, you're fleeing violence at home, your family home is at risk because of severe levels of debt
All cases are looked at individually.
Apply
Complete our discretionary housing payments application form or ring us on 01423 500600 to ask for a form.
Discretionary housing payments application
Help with removal costs
You can also apply for discretionary help towards the cost of moving to alternative accommodation. This can cover the cost of removal van hire.
You can claim this if:
- your housing benefit or universal credit housing payments are being restricted
- the shortfall in your rent is causing severe financial hardship and
- you've found accommodation to move to that's more affordable but you can't afford to pay your removal costs
Apply
Complete our help with moving costs application form or ring us on 01423 500600 to ask for a form.
Help with moving costs application form
For more details, see our discretionary housing payments leaflet and our discretionary housing payments policy.