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Discretionary Housing Payment

Natureico

Anybody else think the Discretionary Housing Payment ( DHP) is a bit of a hit and a miss ?

Their website says you can get help with the Bedroom Tax, Housing Benefit shortfall, moving house etc, and no doubt you can after a rigorous means test by the DHP team.

My main concern with it, is that there is a distinct lack of transparency, accountability and openness about the criteria that must be reached to qualify for a DHP payment, and the decision making process is shrouded in secrecy with the very minimum and briefest of explanations from the DHP office, if you fail with your application.

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Comments

poppy123456

It's called a Discretionary payment because it's exactly that "discretionary" no one is guaranteed that extra help. If you are awarded then it's always for a short period of time before you need to reapply. Yes, the forms are also very complex because they want to know everything and exactly what you spend your money on. I remember applying for one quite a few years ago and i had to get help filling out the forms.

Natureico

poppy123456 said:

It's called a Discretionary payment because it's exactly that "discretionary" no one is guaranteed that extra help. If you are awarded then it's always for a short period of time before you need to reapply. Yes, the forms are also very complex because they want to know everything and exactly what you spend your money on. I remember applying for one quite a few years ago and i had to get help filling out the forms.

Yes it is that " Discretionary " and I have no doubt these payments are very helpful to many in need.
Still, I think the " Threshold " for qualification could be more black and white, and fuller and more detailed explanations could be given to failed applicants.

It's all very curt and lacking in substance.

Natureico

poppy123456 said:

It's called a Discretionary payment because it's exactly that "discretionary" no one is guaranteed that extra help. If you are awarded then it's always for a short period of time before you need to reapply. Yes, the forms are also very complex because they want to know everything and exactly what you spend your money on. I remember applying for one quite a few years ago and i had to get help filling out the forms.