A Discretionary Housing Payment is an extra payment that we can pay you if we think you need extra help meeting your eligible housing and council tax costs. The Council receives an amount annually to pay discretionary housing payments. A discretionary housing payment is not a benefit; but is paid with your Housing /Council Tax Benefit. To be considered for a Discretionary Housing Payment- You must already be receiving Housing Benefit, Local Housing Allowance, or Council Tax benefit. Your benefit must not be suspended.
- Your Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance award does not fully meet your eligible housing costs.
- Your Council Tax Benefit award does not fully meet your Council Tax amount.
Discretionary Housing payments do not cover the following:- Ineligible Service Charges
- Water Charges
- Arrears of rent or council tax
- Reductions in Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit because of Job allowance sanctions.
How much and for how long may I receive a discretionary housing payment.- It will be our decision as to how much you will receive.
- We will decide how long to pay you the discretionary housing payment.
- The amount and the length of the award will also depend on how much of our annual budget we have left.
Applying for a Discretionary Housing PaymentYou must complete a  Discretionary Housing Payments Application Form [500kb] to claim a DHP. Once completed you should send your claim form to: Chelmsford Borough Council
Financial Services Group
Civic Centre
Duke Street
Chelmsford
CM1 1JE Or give it to us in person at: Benefit Enquiry Counter
Civic Centre
Duke Street
Chelmsford
CM1 1JE Result of your application of discretionary housing paymentWhen we receive your application, a senior officer will look at it and make a decision. You will receive a letter telling you about our decision and the reasons for it. If you do not agree with the decision you can ask for a review. You cannot appeal against a decision not to pay you discretionary housing payments.
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