Lewes District Council

The Discretionary Housing Payment fund is a limited fund and we must be satisfied that you really do need more help with your housing costs. You must also be in receipt of some Housing or Council Tax Benefit.

If you are finding it really difficult to meet your housing costs despite having Housing and Council Tax benefit you can contact us and we will send you an application for Discretionary Housing Payments.

What factors influence the DHP decisions?

Awards are made in conjunction with the housing needs department so that we can work together to try to secure accommodation and prevent homelessness.

When we are making a decision on your request we look at things like:

• Your total income
• Whether you have any savings
• Whether anyone else in the house is able to help financially
• Whether you have any loans or debts still to pay
• Whether you could rearrange your finances to ease the situation
• Whether you or your family have any special circumstances, like ill health or disability

What award is likely and how is it paid?

Awards are generally made for a short period of time, between three and six months.  In rare cases, help can be given for longer.  This gives people time to organise their affairs or move to cheaper accommodation.  A visit from a housing advice officer is usually involved.

DHP awards are paid alongside Housing Benefit payments and so can be made to the tenant or in some cases direct to the landlord.

Can I appeal against a DHP decision?

If you disagree with a decision about your request for a DHP, you should write to us within one month of the date of the letter telling you about the award.

The decision will be looked at by one of our senior officers and they will write to you after they have reviewed your case.  However, because the fund is a discretionary, limited fund, there is no right of appeal to the independent Tribunals Service.