Extra help with paying your rent
A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) provides short term help in difficult circumstances. We may be able to award a DHP for:
- rent deposits
- rent in advance
- removal expenses
To get a Discretionary Housing Payment you must:
- receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit
- live in Rutland
- be able to prove you have a financial need
Some examples of when DHP can be paid:
- someone living with you has a relevant medical need, or is in poor health
- it's not possible for you to look for alternative accommodation
Some examples of when DHP can't be paid:
- for rent that's clearly too high
- for rent arrears
- for water, meals, fuel or other ineligible charges included in your rent
- a shortfall caused by certain sanctions
How to apply
DHP awards are not usually backdated - apply as soon as you need help.
Download and complete the Discretionary Housing Payment application form, then send it to us. It''s important to add as much detail about your situation as possible.
You can ask for a paper form to be posted to you - email benefits@rutland.gov.uk or call our customers services team on: 01572 722 577.
What happens after you apply
We we've made a decision, we will send you a notification letter.
As these are discretionary payments, there's no formal right of appeal. You can ask us to reconsider our decisions within one month of your notification letter. We can also look at the decision again if:
- you give us new information
- your circumstances change
- if we consider it to be appropriate