Discretionary Housing Payment Policy 2022-23

6.1 When considering applications for DHP it is usual to make a detailed assessment of the personal circumstances of the claimant and family including consideration of income, expenditure and the level of indebtedness. There is a "fast track " process for DHP for situations that require immediate attention or priority groups. Fast track applicants will be expected to provide supporting documentation at a later date as per usual DHP application.

Foster carers

Foster children are not included in the Housing Benefit or Universal Credit assessment but neither is the income from fostering allowances intended to help towards the costs of caring for the child. One additional bedroom can be awarded under the size criteria for foster parents who have been approved for fostering or have had a foster child or children placed within the last 12 months. However a number of foster parents have more than one room available for foster children and may require DHPs to cover the cost of the additional room. If DHPs were not made it is unlikely that social sector residents could afford to become, or remain foster carers. Where necessary and appropriate DHPs will be made to both local authority and private foster carers under "fast track" rules. Applications will also be considered from foster carers in private rented accommodation, but consideration will be given to the reasonableness of the rent charged. Similar rules apply in respect of prospective adoptive parents.

Care Leavers

A Care Leaver is defined as somebody under the age of 25, whom Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council looked after up to the point that they left care. The legal definition of a care leaver is someone who has been looked after for at least 13 weeks since the age of 14, and includes at least one day after the age of 16. Where necessary and appropriate a DHP will be made available under 'fast track' rule to care leavers up to 21 years old (or up to 25 years old if in education or training) where additional support is needed to increase the long term sustainability of their accommodation.

Other examples

• people who have had to flee domestic abuse or have moved because of the threat of violence in another area
• vulnerable residents who are being supported by Council services such as adults services, children's services, housing and homelessness solutions