Discretionary housing payments
The local authority which pays your HB can also make a discretionary housing payment (DHP) if you are entitled to HB or the housing costs element of UC (for rent) and you require additional help to meet your housing costs. You will need to show why your benefit does not cover your full rent – eg, because of deductions are being made to Fuel Direct or you are affected by the benefit cap. The onus is on you to apply and it is discretionary so there are no rules about whether or how much you will be paid. DHPs cannot be used to cover charges which are excluded from HB or the housing costs element of UC – eg, most fuel charges.
To apply for a DHP, request an application form from the local authority.
DHPs are often made on a weekly basis, to ‘top up’ HB/UC entitlement. It is also possible to receive a DHP as a lump sum – eg, to cover arrears of rent.1R (on the application of) Gargett v LB Lambeth [2008] EWCA Civ 14507. Budgeting advances and budgeting loans There is no right of appeal against a DHP decision, but you can ask the local authority to review its decision. If a local authority acts unreasonably regarding making a decision, it can be subject to judicial review or you can make a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.