Discretionary Housing Payment Policy 2022-23
10. Key criteria for determining DHP applications
10.1 The key criteria for targeting DHP support are that the claim falls within one of the priority groups detailed in the table below:-
Priority group | Cases |
|---|---|
Disabled People and Vulnerable Adults
Including Adults With Learning Disabilities |
|
Safeguarding Children |
|
Emergency circumstances | Where a person has had to relocate urgently because of emergency circumstances such as fleeing violence, witness protection or family emergency, |
Families affected by the benefit cap | For a temporary period until a managed transition can be made where the family is taking steps to deal with the issue. |
Exceptional Circumstances | Other cases where not making a discretionary payment would have an exceptionally detrimental effect upon the health or wellbeing of the family or individual. |
10.2 In addition the following criteria will also apply:
The claimant cannot afford to meet the shortfall between benefit and rent.
An assessment of income and outgoings will be carried out for all DHP applications, and assistance provided only where the claimant has insufficient income to meet all or part of the shortfall. Consideration will be given to any disability benefits clearly intended to be used for care and mobility costs and any special needs or health conditions that may impact on the claimant's financial requirements.
Applicants will be signposted or referred to agencies to assist, such as, with dealing with debt, money management, work preparation, smoking cessation. Examples include Money Advice & Pensions Service, Northumbria Water Discount Scheme, Stockton Employment Hub.
Failure to engage with services that will assist the applicant in managing their shortfall may result in a refusal.
If there is insufficient income solely because of debt, it is unlikely that additional support will be provided.
And
The claimant is unable to take action to improve his or her situation or is taking all reasonable steps to do so.
In order to qualify for a DHP payment applicants will be expected to engage with support providers, other support that may be available and not commit themselves to further unaffordable debt.
And
It is unreasonable to expect the claimant or family to move.
This will take into account personal circumstances and may include factors such as:
- additional bedrooms are required over and above the size criteria requirements
- local support networks
- critical points in children's education
- short term support requirement, until circumstances change
Or
- the DHP application would assist the claimant to move to more suitable accommodation
These will usually be lump sum applications to assist with a bond or rent in advance, for example, to facilitate a move.
10.3 The Revenues & Benefits Service will consider making a DHP to all claimants who meet the qualifying criteria set out in this policy. All applications will be treated on their individual merits.
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