What are Discretionary Housing Payments?
You can claim a DHP if you already receive Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit but find you need still financial assistance to pay your rent or you need help to move to more affordable accommodation.
DHPs are paid on a short-term basis only. DHP’s are meant to help:
- you through a personal crisis
- you stay in your home if you cannot move
- to reduce poverty
When you claim a DHP, you must not assume that you will be entitled, even if you feel you are struggling to meet your housing costs. Payments are discretionary and are dependent on a number of factors.
If we make an award, the amount we award and how long we will pay this for depends on your personal circumstances. Each case is looked at individually.
Claims for DHP’s are discretionary and may take us longer to assess at certain times of the year to process, so you need to be aware of this.
If you are experiencing exceptional hardship, you may be entitled to Crisis Support. Please telephone our Welfare Assistance team on (0191) 643 2777 and press option 2 between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.
There are often other types of help available from the authority and other organisations that you may be able to claim that will help your financial situation. Please look on the cost-of-living webpage.
https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/1652/cost-living-support
How to apply
You can claim by completing our online Discretionary Housing Payments application form below.
