About Discretionary Housing Payments

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are payments given to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claimants who need extra help to pay their rent and / or Council Tax because the benefit they receive does not cover the whole amount.

The Government gives Swindon Borough Council, each year, money to allocate to those people who apply and are in need of DHP.  However, this money is limited, and Swindon Borough Council is unable to provide DHP in excess of its allocation.

Who Can Apply for DHP

If you are currently claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit, and are having problems paying your rent and / or your Council Tax, you could be entitled to apply for DHP.

However, the Council cannot give DHP to assist with the following:

• Covering your service charges, which are not covered by Housing Benefit;
• Helping to pay your rent arrears;
• Covering any amount of your Housing Benefit we have taken because your Job Seeker's Allowance has been sanctioned (not paid because you have broken the terms of your claim);
• Paying your rent and Council Tax because your Benefit claim has been suspended;
• Paying your rent when you are only entitled to Council Tax Benefit;
• Paying your Council Tax when you are only entitled to Housing Benefit;
• If you receive Second Adult Rebate only.

Where I Can Find Out More About DHP

If you would like more information about DHP, please visit the National Benefit Leaflet website at www.benefit-leaflets.org where you can find a variety of leaflets, including A Guide to Discretionary Housing Payments.

How to Apply for DHP

To apply for DHP, please download the DHP form by clicking on the link Discretionary Housing Payment Form.

Please ensure that the Form is returned with all the evidence requested to the following address:

The Benefits Service
Swindon Borough Council
Admail 4144
Swindon
SN3 5ZR