Discretionary Housing Payment Policy 2022-23

A number of severely disabled people live in properties which have been significantly adapted to meet specific disablement needs will face unaffordable reductions in benefit entitlement under the under-occupation rules in the social rented sector. It would be unreasonable to expect the claimant to move to alternative accommodation when significant amounts of public funding have been paid to adapt a property specifically for their needs. The adaptations may need to be carried out again in the new property and further expenditure incurred to restore the old property to its original form.

DHP will be considered where:

• the property is occupied by a person in receipt of the middle or higher rate of DLA or the Daily Living Component of Personal Independence Payment, or an Armed Forces Independence Payment
• the property is significantly or structurally adapted in order to meet the disability needs of that person

Significantly adapted would include multiple higher value adaptations. High value adaptations would include a stairlift, walk in shower, wet room, a kitchen re-arrangement or enlargement, specially designed or modified units, modified gas or electric supply, ceiling hoists, widening doorways, provision of adapted room for someone with challenging behaviour, closomat toilet. Structural adaptations would include extensions or through floor lifts. Applications will also be considered from disabled people in adapted private rented accommodation, but consideration will be given to the reasonableness of the rent charged.