You can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) if you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs and think that you need extra help paying your rent.
Before applying, you must make sure that the help you currently get, either through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, is based on your correct income and circumstances.
The DHP fund is limited so we will look at your income and expenses to decide.
You may need to give evidence of:
- attempts you have made to improve your situation (moving to an affordable home, or negotiating rent reduction or payments with your landlord)
- steps you took to maximise your income by claiming all benefits you're entitled to or seeking help with debts and money management
- money you get and spend (bank statements within the last 2 months and savings accounts)
- rent arrears (rent statement, bank statement, rent book or rent receipts)
- anyone who lives with you who could give financial help
- notice to leave your home
- your household health and disabilities (doctor's letter and disability benefit)
If you get Universal Credit, you must also provide the following:
- proof you're getting Universal Credit housing costs
- proof of your most recent 2 months Universal Credit awards
- your most recent tenancy agreement
- your landlord's contact details
You should answer all the questions and give your contact details so we can get in touch if we have any queries.
If your claim is successful, we will send you a letter with details of the payment.
Apply for Discretionary Housing Payment
View our Discretionary Housing Payments Policy (PDF, 227.38 KB).
Disagreeing with your DHP decision
If you disagree with our decision, you can request a review of our decision by emailing revs@enfield.gov.uk. Your request must be made within one month of receiving the decision letter.
This is a discretionary scheme which makes our review decision final with no right of appeal.