Discretionary Housing Payments
Every year Tower Hamlets benefits service receives a limited amount of funding from central housing government for existing housing benefit claimants who do not receive full benefit and who can show that they have special circumstances.
These additional payments are discretionary and do not fall under the normal housing benefit rules. This means that the council is not legally required to award a discretionary housing payment.
What this money can be used for
Rent payments
If you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with a housing element, it can be used to help with rent payments.
If you are waiting to move
If you are waiting to move and are receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with a housing element for your current home:
- deposits
- rent in advance
- removal costs
What it cannot be used for
It cannot be used for ineligible service charges included in your rent or other costs for:
- gas
- electric
- water
- council tax
How to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment
In order to be considered for a Discretionary Housing Payment you must:
- already be getting housing benefit but the amount you get does not cover the full eligible rent (or getting the rent element of Universal Credit)
- make a written application and satisfactorily explain why you need extra help
- provide any information and evidence that we need to support your application
How much can be awarded?
The amount of the Discretionary Housing Payment cannot be more than the total amount of your eligible rent. If awarded it will be an amount that is somewhere between your existing benefit entitlement and your eligible rent.
Spending limits
The total amount we are allowed to spend on Discretionary Housing Payments in any one year is limited by the government.
We aim to ensure that payments that are made go to those who are most in need and are spread out fairly over the whole year.
Over what period can a Discretionary Housing Payment be awarded?
Payments can be backdated and can be either one-off awards or ongoing payments. However, as the funding available for Discretionary Housing Payments is limited in any one financial year, we will not normally make ongoing awards for longer than three months.
Claimants can re-apply for a further Discretionary Housing Payment when one comes to an end and this new application will be considered on its merits.
Changes in circumstances
You, or someone acting on your behalf, must tell us straight away about any changes to your circumstances that may affect your Discretionary Housing Payment. This includes changes to your income or savings.
If your entitlement to housing benefit or Universal Credit ends, so will the Discretionary Housing Payment.
Overpayment of Discretionary Housing Payments
These are recoverable but this will not be done from any on-going housing benefit you have. Instead recovery will be made by sending you an invoice.
How do I apply?
Complete an online Discretionary Housing Payment application form.
How to contact us
Tower Hamlets has a centralised benefit claims processing service and a dedicated benefits call centre. Both are based at the Town Hall where all enquiries should be directed.
Benefits Service
Tower Hamlets Town Hall
160 Whitechapel Road
London
E1 1BJ
Tel: 020 7364 5000
Fax: 020 7364 7048
Email: benefits@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Home visits can be arranged if you are housebound and do not have anyone who can help you.