Discretionary Housing Payments

Eligibility

To be considered for a Discretionary Housing Payment you must:

• Be entitled to Housing Benefit, or Universal Credit that includes a housing element towards housing liability
• Satisfy the Council that further financial assistance (in addition to the benefit or benefits to which they are entitled) is required in order to meet housing costs. A declaration of income and expenditure will be required within the application form
      

Are you currently claiming any benefits?

You may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment if you currently claim Housing Benefit or  Universal Credit that includes the Housing element, and

• Your rent shortfall is caused by the Benefit Cap
• Your rent shortfall is caused by the Spare Room Subsidy (bedroom tax)
• Your rent shortfall is a result of changes from April 2013 in Local Housing Allowance
• You need a deposit for a rental agreement for more suitable accommodation 
• You move house and need help with moving expenses when moving to more suitable accommodation
• Any other shortfall, e.g. non-dependent deductions
  
  

Discretionary Housing Payments can't cover:

• A shortfall if Housing Benefit has been reduced to recover an over-payment or because other benefits have been reduced, (such as sanctions), for example, because you left your last job voluntarily
• The cost of any services which are not eligible for help under the Housing Benefit or Universal credit schemes such as ineligible service charges, water and sewerage, fuel and heating charges
• Increase in rent due to outstanding rent arrears
• Sanctions and reductions in benefit (normally relating to previous fraudulent activity)
• Discretionary Housing Payments can't be paid towards the cost of Council Tax
  
  

To apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment complete our:

• Discretionary Housing Payment application form (PDF Document)
• Discretionary Housing Payment - Removal Costs application form (PDF Document)
  
• Discretionary Housing Payment - Deposit or Rent In Advance application form (PDF Document)

Your Discretionary Housing Payment will be paid along with your normal Housing Benefit payments. For Universal Credit recipients, you will be paid in the most appropriate manner deemed by the authority and in accordance with Department for Work and Pensions guidance.

One-off payments

For one-off Discretionary Housing Payments (e.g. help with moving costs), we will decide the most appropriate method of payment which may be to a third party such as a removal firm.

If you receive Discretionary Housing Payments and your circumstances change, your payments may come to an early end. If this is the case you will need to re-apply if you wish to continue to receive this help. Please report all changes in your circumstances as soon as possible, such as

• Changes in your household e.g. someone moving in or out
  
• Changes in income – for any member of your household
  
• Changes in rent liability
  
• A change of address
  
  

This list is not exhaustive. If you are not sure, contact us for further information.

Contacts

• Email: benefits@wokingham.gov.uk
• Phone: 0118 974 6000
• Address: Revenues and Benefits, Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 152, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WJ
  
  

Debt advice

For advice about debt visit the following websites

• Wokingham Citizens’ Advice website
• Money Helper website or call 0800 138 7777
• National Debtline website or call 0808 808 4000
• Stepchange website or call 0800 138 1111
  
  

Other sources of help

• Home Start UK website or call 0118 988 8025 - Help for families
  
• Turn2Us website or call 0808 802 2000 - Help for people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help
  
  

If you are a tenant of a registered social landlord, such as Wokingham Borough Council, Housing Solutions, A2 Dominion, Sovereign etc., you may be able to access additional support through a Tenancy Support or Sustainment Officer, or Financial Inclusion Officer within your landlords’ organisation. Contact your landlord directly for further information.