|
Private tenants can apply for extra housing benefit if the amount they are getting doesn't cover their rent. This is known as a discretionary housing payment. The Housing Executive decides how much money you will get. You must show that you will suffer hardship if you don't get the extra housing benefit.
You can't apply for a discretionary housing payment if you are a Housing Executive or a housing association tenant.
How much will I get?
The Housing Executive decides each case on its merits. The Housing Executive will look at your personal circumstances before deciding:
- how much money to give you, if any;
- how long they will give you money.
Even if you get a discretionary housing payment, you may still have to pay some money from your wages or other benefits to cover your rent.
Back to top
When can I get a discretionary housing payment?
You will only get a discretionary housing payment if you can prove that you will suffer hardship if the Housing Executive doesn't give you the extra housing benefit.
When deciding if you are eligible for a discretionary housing payment, the Housing Executive will examine your personal circumstances. For example:
- have your circumstances changed in a way that you need more money to cover your housing costs?
- will you be evicted immediately if you can't pay your rent?
- how much do you owe?
- do you have any savings?
- could you negotiate with the landlord to reduce the rent?
- why do you need to live in a specific area?
- could you move to less expensive accommodation?
- do you have health problems which stop you moving to less expensive accommodation?
- do you have young children?
- could someone in the house help you pay your rent?
- will you become homeless if the Housing Executive refuses to give you a discretionary housing payment?
You may still be eligible for a discretionary housing payment if your circumstances are not outlined above. However, even if you are in hardship the Housing Executive can refuse to give you extra housing benefit because there is no money in their budget to do so.
Back to top
How can I apply for a discretionary housing payment?
If you live outside Belfast, return the completed discretionary housing payment form to your local Housing Executive District Office . If you live in Belfast, you should return the completed discretionary housing payment form to:
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Private Sector Housing Benefit Office
12 Keylands Place
Belfast
BT2 7NH
Back to top
Can I appeal?
Unlike a housing benefit application, you can't appeal to an independent tribunal. However, you can ask the Housing Executive District Office where you made your application to look again at their decision.
Back to top
|
Creditors Checklist (
