As the cost of living continues to rise, we’re here to help.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to an additional Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) on top of your normal Housing Benefit or Universal Credit payments. A DHP is paid for a limited period of time, to give you the chance to find other ways of reducing your housing costs. DHPs can only be paid to people who are already receiving some Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to help pay their rent. If you're getting enough help to pay your rent, you won't be entitled to any extra help. DHPs can't be awarded to help you pay for non-rent charges, like water rates and service charges.
To help you make a claim, we've included links below. If you need any help, please get in touch with our Welfare Support team.
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
www.kingston.gov.uk/benefits-5/can-apply-discretionary-housing-payments/1
London Borough of Hounslow
www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20072/housing_benefit/1251/discretionary_housing_payments
London Borough of Hillingdon
https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/eligibility-for-discretionary-housing-payments
Once you’ve applied, it can take between four and 12 weeks to reach a decision. Let us know as soon as you hear back – even if your claim is unsuccessful.
If you’re worried about covering rising heating costs and other essential bills, we’ve published an article here that we hope will help. It features advice on budgeting, claiming benefits, and ways we'll support you to pay your rent if you’re struggling financially.