Discretionary housing payments
Under the scheme, Local Authorities may be able to make extra
payments for any claimant whose Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax
Benefit is restricted and is, in need of additional help with
housing costs. It is to the authority's discretion the period
and amount of any award to help with a particular period of
financial difficulty. Before you can apply for a
Discretionary Payment, you must be entitled to Housing and/or
Council Tax Benefit.
You may be
required to furnish additional information in support of your
application for a Discretionary Housing Payment. You will also be
required to inform the Benefits Section of any changes which may
affect your award.
This fund is
separate to Housing and Council Tax Benefit. However, any payments
will be made in conjunction with your Housing Benefit, and credited
direct to your Council Tax account.
A Discretionary Housing Payment cannot be claimed
for:
- Ineligible service
charges
- Rent arrears that are not
eligible for Housing Benefit
- A reduction in
Housing/Council Tax Benefit due to other benefit
sanctions
- If Housing/ Council Tax
Benefit has been suspended.
How to apply for Discretionary Housing Payment
Download and complete the
Discretionary Housing Payment form [PDF: 81Kb]. You
can hand in your completed form to your local housing office or
Pullar House. Alternative, you can post it to Perth &
Kinross Council, Housing & Community Care, Pullar House, 35
Kinnoull Street, Perth PH1 5GD.
