How a Discretionary Housing Payment is calculated and paid

How DHPs are calculated

When we decide whether to pay a discretionary housing payment we will look at all the answers you have given in the application form. We will look very closely at all your income and outgoings and any savings you may have.

We will then take into account the following:

• whether you would be able to agree a lower rent with your landlord
• when your tenancy is due to end
• if you could afford the rent when your tenancy started
• what other debts you have and whether you have tried to get help to clear these
• if you are able to agree to make lower repayments for some of the other debts you have, such as credit cards or store cards
• if is there any other income or benefits you could get which would help you pay your rent or council tax
• what else you are doing to try to help your problems in paying your rent or council tax
• if there are health issues with you or a member of your family which mean that you need to stay in the home you live in
• if there are things that could change in the near future which would mean you have more income, such as expecting a child
• if you are able to reduce non-essential expenditure

We will look carefully at the answers to the questions we have asked you. If the money you pay out is more than you have coming in we may decide to pay you a discretionary housing payment.

If we decide to pay you a Discretionary Housing Payment we will write to tell you how much we will be paying and for how long.

How DHPs are paid

If we decide to pay you a Discretionary Housing Payment towards your rent it will normally be paid together with your Housing Benefit, and this may be paid to you or your landlord.