Discretionary Housing Payments are stand-alone top-ups made at Lewisham Council's discretion in cases where we feel that someone needs extra help to meet their housing costs.
The funding for these payments is provided by central government, but it is strictly limited. The amount of money given to Lewisham for the financial year 2009-2010 is £166,995.
Generally, we award discretionary housing payments to help people get over short term difficulties. Each application is considered on its merits. Your circumstances do not have to be exceptional, but you do have to demonstrate good reason(s) for requesting additional support.
How to apply
First, we recommend you speak to someone in your local housing office. They will talk to you about whether you are eligible for a discretionary housing payment.
After that, you need to complete an application form and return it to us.
- Download the form
- Pick up the form at AccessPoint in Catford or Deptford
- Call 020 8690 8444 and we will to post you the form.
Eligibility
To be considered for a discretionary housing payment, you must meet the following conditions:
- you must receive housing benefit and/or council tax benefit
- you must not already be getting 100% of your eligible housing benefit and/or council tax benefit
Our decision
We will send you a decision notice within 10 working days of the date that we receive your application – this letter will explain the reasons for our decision.
Disputes
There is no right of appeal associated with decisions about discretionary housing payments. However, you can ask us to look at your situation again if you disagree. If the original decision is upheld there are no further review options.
Changes in circumstances
If you are granted a discretionary housing payment, tell us immediately about any changes in your circumstances. Otherwise you may be overpaid and will have to pay the money back.