Housing benefit additional help & advice

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are available to help residents who are experiencing short-term financial difficulties with their housing costs.

Who can apply?

 You can apply if you currently receive either Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
  

What housing costs may be covered?

 You may get a payment for:

• a rent shortfall
• bond, rent in advance for a new property
• rent arrears
• removal costs

NOTE: these are only examples of when we may pay a DHP.
 
If your circumstances are different, you should still apply.
 

What housing costs are not covered?

• ineligible service charges
• increases in rent due to outstanding arrears
• benefit sanctions and reductions
• suspended Housing Benefit or Universal Credit
• shortfalls caused by overpayment recovery
• Council Tax
   

 Apply for Discretionary Housing Payment online

 
We will need to know your reasons for the application and details of your household:

• income
• outgoings
• savings
• rent

 
Each application is carefully considered on its own merits.
 
A payment is not guaranteed.

 
We will take into account:

• your income and savings
• if anyone else in your household can help you
• if you have any loans or debts
• if you could manage your money better
• if anyone in your family is ill or disabled

 

What if my circumstances change?

If your circumstances change, contact us straightaway.

This will ensure you receive the best available help and could avoid you being overpaid.
 

Further information

Contact us by:
 
Email: benefits@northumberland.gov.uk
Telephone: 0345 600 6400 Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5pm and Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
 
You can read our policy here:

discretionary housing payment policy

Northumberland Emergency Transition Support (NETS) provides crisis support to residents of Northumberland.

For further information on Northumberland Emergency Transition Support (NETS) please click here

If your job finishes due to redundancy or a voluntary severance scheme, you may need to claim social security benefits.

Payments you get from your employer in these situations may affect benefits and the rules surrounding this are complicated.

Therefore, we recommend you always seek independent advice.

Gov.uk provide guidance on finding work, claiming benefits, managing debts and pensions if you’re being made redundant. 

MoneyHelper brings together the support and services of three government-backed financial guidance providers: the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise

If you are concerned about managing your money, or you have debts – try not to worry – but do not ignore your problem. If you cannot pay your rent because of money problems, you may be evicted from your home. You must ask for help.

If you are struggling to live on the money you have, or are experiencing problems with debt, you may want to think about whether you are getting all the benefits or tax credits you are entitled to.

For more information and advice, visit gov.uk.

The central government money advice section offers a wide range of public service information and links to other organisations you may find useful if you are looking for help/advice.