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Emergency support
You can apply to the discretionary support fund if you live in Croydon and are in financial hardship and need emergency support.
Discretionary housing payments
Discretionary housing payments (DHP) are made towards housing costs where a person receives Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and they need help with:
- a shortfall in rent
- an advance in rent or a deposit
- rent arrears (extreme cases only)
- Removal costs only
It is not automatically awarded because your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover your rent.
What You will need to apply
- Your Universal Credit letter.
- Proof of income for any non-dependent individuals in your household.
- Completed budget planner.
- The most recent three months of bank or building society statements for all accounts held.
- Evidence of the rent you owe, including any repayment plans and the exact amount if you're behind on payments.
- Letters from any debt or financial assistance agencies detailing your current financial situation.
- Proof that you're actively searching for more affordable housing options, like letters from your landlord, offers you've received on Home Swap, and details of properties you've viewed.
- Letters or emails related to job applications and interviews.
What is not covered
Discretionary housing payments cannot be used to cover:
- Increases in rent due to outstanding rent arrears
- Sanctions and reductions in benefit
- Benefit suspensions
- Shortfalls caused by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit over payment recovery
Eligibility
To be eligible for discretionary housing payments, you must:
- receive Housing Benefit from Croydon Council or the housing element of Universal Credit
- have an affordable long term solution
- have a fully completed budget planner including income and expenses
Apply for a discretionary housing payment
Developing an Action Plan
If a discretionary housing payment is awarded, it is generally only for a short period of time, as we will work with you to develop an action plan to afford your own rent. This could involve one or more of the following:
- moving to more affordable accommodation
- looking for employment or increasing working hours
- budgeting in order to maximise income
Contact us
Discretionary support team
Email: dhp2@croydon.gov.uk
Enablement support team
London Borough of Croydon
Bernard Weatherill House
8 Mint Walk
Croydon, CR0 1EA.
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