Housing Benefit and Extra help towards your Rent and Council Tax ...

What are Discretionary Housing Payments?
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are extra payments made at
the discretion of Gravesham Borough Council to help people meet their
shortfalls in rent, Council Tax or both. We give DHPs to people claiming
benefit who need extra help with their housing costs, if these are more
than the amount of the benefit they receive.
The amount of money we have for these payments is subject to an
annual cash limit.
What DHP cannot be paid for?
We cannot award you a DHP for:
• Fuel, water or sewerage charges if these are included in your rent.
• Food charges for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Any rent you owe.
• When your Housing or Council Tax Benefit payments are
suspended.
• Rent, if you are only entitled to Council Tax Benefit.
• Council Tax, if you only get Housing Benefit.
• If the only benefit you get is Second Adult Rebate.
Who can get a DHP?
If your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit is less than the amount of
your rent or Council Tax you must pay you can apply for a Discretionary
Housing Payment.
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