What are Discretionary Housing Payments?

Discretionary Housing Payments are payments made in addition to Housing / Council Tax Benefit to help you with your housing costs.  We consider each case individually and on it's own merit.

They are not payments of benefit although the amount of benefit you are receiving will be taken into account when making any award.  The total of your combined Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit plus your Discretionary Housing Payments must not exceed your rental or Council Tax liability. 

Awards of Discretionary Housing Payments are cash limited and are made at the discretion of the Council.

Payments will be made for limited periods, at the end of which a new application must be made if the need still exists.

The payment of Discretionary Housing Payments is subject to meeting all of the following criteria:

• You are already receiving some Housing Benefit and additional help to pay your rent is needed or you are already in receipt of Council Tax Benefit and additional help with your Council Tax is needed.
• You are not receiving maximum benefit.
• The shortfall between your Housing Benefit and your rent is not due to ineligible services such as water and sewerage charges, fuel costs, meals, or to cover outstanding rent arrears.  Or the shortfall between your Council Tax Benefit and your Council Tax is not due to the difference between the second adult rebate and the full Council Tax liability.
• You are experiencing difficulties which make your circumstances exceptional.
• We have money available in the Discretionary Housing Payments fund.

In order to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment you must complete an application form which you can download and print off below.

Discretionary Housing Payment Form (pdf)

Return this form to:

The Benefits Section
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Town Hall
The Parade
Epsom
Surrey
KT18 5BY

Your application will be considered on its individual merits.  It will usually be necessary for the Benefit Section to arrange an interview with you to discuss the matter fully before a decision is made.

Further Information

Telephone: 01372 732269
Email: benefits@epsom-ewell.gov.uk