Discretionary Housing Payments

What if I still have problems paying my rent or council tax?

I am receiving benefit but I still need help meeting the shortfall in my rent and/or my Council Tax

We operate a  Discretionary Housing Payment scheme, through which we may be able to give
you additional help with your housing costs.

Welwyn Hatfield Council receives some money from the Government towards the Discretionary
Housing Payment scheme. The amount we can spend is limited and we will not be able to help
everyone who applies.

Who can claim a Discretionary Housing Payment?(DHP)

You must be in receipt of some Housing and/or Council Tax benefit to be able to claim a DHP,
and you will not receive more than the shortfall in your weekly eligible rent or weekly Council
Tax liability.

We can only pay a DHP under exceptional circumstances - for example during a period where you have unforeseen expenses. We may be able to pay a DHP where the Rent Officer has restricted your rent and you have a particular reason for renting that property for example.

The amount awarded is entirely at the discretion of  Welwyn Hatfield Council. Each individual
case will be considered on its own merits. We will look at the individual circumstances of your
claim and will consider the other options available to you before deciding whether to award a
Discretionary Housing Payment.

We cannot pay a DHP to help with service charges not covered by the benefit scheme – such as
heating, lighting, hot water, and other fuel costs or water rates, sewerage or other environmental
costs.

We cannot pay a DHP to make up for any reduction in other social security benefits as a result of
any sanctions applied by the Benefits Agency. (for example a reduction in your Income Support

In order to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment, please contact us for a form.

Click here if you would like to download our leaflet on Discretionary Housing Payments