Housing Payment Policy

Housing Payments (HP) are part of the Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund and are designed to provide short-term financial support to residents who are experiencing difficulty meeting their housing costs and are at risk of financial hardship or homelessness. Housing Payments are discretionary awards, which means there is no automatic entitlement and each application is considered on its individual circumstances.

What are Housing Payments?

Housing Payments can provide additional help to people who:

• Receive Housing Benefit (HB), or
• Receive Universal Credit (UC) that includes a housing costs element.

The fund is intended to provide temporary support while people take steps to improve their financial circumstances, secure affordable accommodation, or prevent a housing crisis

The Purpose of the Scheme

The Housing Payments scheme aims to:

• Prevent homelessness.
• Help residents remain in their homes.
• Support people in times of crisis.
• Assist households in securing affordable accommodation.
• Help alleviate poverty.
• Encourage financial stability and employment where appropriate

What Support May Be Available?

Depending on individual circumstances, support may be available for:

• Shortfalls between rent and benefit entitlement.
• Rent in advance for a new tenancy.
• Tenancy deposits.
• Temporary housing-related financial difficulties where exceptional circumstances apply.

Awards are generally intended to be short term and are not designed to provide ongoing financial support or replace entitlement restrictions within the benefits system.

How Applications Are Assessed

Every application is assessed individually. When making a decision, the Council may consider factors such as:

• The risk of homelessness.
• Recent changes in circumstances.
• Disability or medical needs.
• Household income, expenditure and available resources.
• Steps taken to improve the situation.
• Availability of funding within the scheme.

How to Apply

Applications must be made using the Council's prescribed application form. Supporting information may be requested to help assess the application. Applicants are encouraged to seek independent advice, such as from Citizens Advice or other support organisations, to ensure they are receiving all available financial assistance.

Important Information

• Housing Payments are discretionary and are not guaranteed.
• Awards are normally time limited.
• Applicants must report relevant changes in circumstances.
• There is a review process for applicants who disagree with a decision.

Read the Full Policy

This page provides a summary of the Housing Payments scheme only.

For full details, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, payment arrangements, appeals, exclusions, and matters considered when making decisions, please refer to the Housing Payments Policy document.