Discretionary Payment Scheme

What are Discretionary Housing Payments and Discretionary Council Tax Payments?

They are for people who live in Torridge. They are paid by Torridge District Council.

If you live in another area please apply to your local council.

These payments can help if you are:

struggling to pay your rent or council tax and
you have unusual or extreme circumstances which are causing hardship or
you are having particular difficulty because of the effects of the under occupation rules for council and housing association tenants or the benefit cap rules.

There are no rules that give anyone a right to a payment. But we may be able to pay you if we believe that you need extra financial support.

The following questions and answers should help you in deciding what to do next. If you still have questions after reading what is set out below, please do not hesitate in contacting the benefits team.

Q
What do you mean by Housing Costs ?

A
By 'housing costs' we mean your rent. It does not include service charges, fuel charges, water rates, meal charges or council tax. Housing costs can be interpreted more widely to include rent in advance, deposits or other lump sum costs associated with a housing need.

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Q
Is a DHP a payment of housing benefit ?

A
No. DHPs are funded from a separate grant, although the award may be made with your normal housing benefit payment.

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Q
If my application is successful, how much will I get and for how long?

A
Each application will be considered on its own merits.

Click here for more details about If my application is successful, how much will I get and for how long?
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Q
What will you take into account when deciding whether or not an award of DHP can be made ?

A
We will ask you:-

Click here for more details about What will you take into account when deciding whether or not an award of DHP can be made ?
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Q
Who applies for a Discretionary Housing Payment ?

A
The person who claimed housing benefit or housing costs within a claim for Universal Credit will need to complete an application form.

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Q
Then what happens ?

A
The Council will write to you and let you know of their decision.

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Q
What happens if I apply and am not happy about the outcome of my application ?

A
This scheme is not part of the Housing Benefit scheme. The decision is not subject, therefore, to the same rights of appeal. However, if you are not happy with a decision you can write to the Council, giving your reasons, at which time the decision will be looked at again.

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