Discretionary Housing Payments

Discretionary Housing Payments Application Form (PDF 18Kb)

What is it?

The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme is a limited amount of money that the Government allows North Wiltshire District Council to spend on additional payments of rent and Council Tax to claimants with special circumstances.

What is it for?

It is intended to help claimants who are receiving Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit but the amount they are receiving does not cover the full rent and/or Council Tax they are charged.

Who cannot apply?

There are strict rules governing the administration of the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme.  You cannot be considered for the payment if:

you have not qualified for any Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit at all.

If you qualify for one but not both benefits, you can only be considered for additional help in respect of the benefit that you are receiving.

The shortfall is due to additional amounts being charged for arrears and/or court costs.

The help you require is in respect of other bills and not rent and/or Council Tax.

You are already receiving full help.

How can I claim it?

You should complete the attached application  form giving as much detail as you can.

You will need to write down the reasons why you think you should be awarded a Discretionary Housing Payment and whether you require extra help with the rent, Council Tax or both.

You will also need to state how much your income and outgoings are, and provide any appropriate evidence to support your application.

When you have filled in the form return it to North Wiltshire District Council, Customer Services who will then contact you to either notify a decision to you or to make an appointment for an interview.  Our address and telephone number is on the attached form.

If an interview is required, Customer Services will discuss your application with you.  Please ensure that all the evidence you need to make a claim is available.