Temporary Halt in Discretionary Housing Payments

Unfortunately, Norwich City Council has taken the very difficult decision to close their Discretionary Housing Payment Fund (DHP) until April 2023 and the DHP application form has been removed from their website.  The amount of money allocated by the government for this year was £100,000 less than the amount awarded last year.     With the recent cost of living increases, there has been a large rise in the number of DHP applications.  

Normally you are entitled to claim a DHP if you currently get housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, and you need further financial support with your housing costs.  Eligible costs would include rent shortfalls, rent deposits, and rent in advance.   DHP’s won’t cover the cost of Council Tax, even if you get Council Tax Support.   Each council decides how their application process will work.    The circumstances of each person who applies is considered against the eligibility criteria.   The decision includes whether a DHP is appropriate, how much the payment might be and how long the payment will be made for.  

Norwich City Council is currently working through any outstanding applications they have and will be in contact with anyone that has already applied for help to let them know the outcome of their claim as soon as possible.   

Please see the City Council website for further information: Discretionary Housing Payments | Norwich City Council

There may also be other sources of help available to you, such as the Norfolk Assistance Scheme Norfolk Assistance Scheme policy - Norfolk County Council or a national or local charity.    Turn2Us has lots of information about charitable grants available  Search for charitable and educational grants - Turn2us .   Each fund has its own criteria.    Some focus on people with certain health conditions, others link to previous employment and others are more general.    Most exclude providing money for debt repayments, but some concentrate their resources on supporting people with essential costs and other items.     Some charitable funds are open to the general public to apply directly, whilst others require a supporting organisation to make the claim.