Housing Benefit Changes means underoccupation??

BigAunty

*LittleStar* wrote: »

Is that through my Local Council?
Will letters of support from Social workers/Health Visitors etc. be considered when making there desicions?

DHP is just a temporary one off, even if you get it.

It may give you breathing room but it's not the solution - moving to a smaller property, or an increase in income through child maintenance or employment and/or decrease in living expenses to find the 14% that you must now pay towards the rent, are your actual options.

princessdon

nannytone wrote: »

as they are both boys. the will be expected to share until the eldest is 16, so not such a shirt time.

discretionary housing oayments only last for about 6 months

Thank you, I keep forgetting about gender. It's because LHR is different.

I guess reality should have told me when I shared a bedroom with 2 sisters so 3 in a room all my childhood. Made us closer as adults.

princessdon

Heycock wrote: »

Princessdon...that's essentially how I'm making up the difference in our case. It's not what DLA was designed for but I suppose you could rationalise it by saying that using it to pay for the extra bedroom is part of the extra care required.
That's how i justify it in our case anyway...I know how DLA is used in practise is a touchy subject with some.

I guess its designed for anything that makes life easier and if this is a priority (and it would be for me too in your situation), then it's got to be done.

benefitbaby

Just to add that DHP's are not time-limited and can be re-awarded by the council at their discretion, when medical issues are the underlying reason for additional rooms/costs they can - and often do - issue DHPs for a long time (I have a few clients that have been getting DHPs for 3 years now), relevant medical evidence is key to a successful award in this scenario.

BigAunty

Here is a basic link to how DHP works

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/discretionary_housing_payments

The following document is actually a training/advice guide to staff administering DHPs, the best practice for doing so. This at least outlines the process a bit more, what they look for in a claim and how it should be handled.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dhpguide.pdf

(Personally I think the payment of DHPs for 3 plus years flies against the principles of it being a stop-gap or interim measure until the claimant can address the actual HB shortage themselves and gives false hope to the OP as I expect most DHP claims rarely exceed 6 months)

DaisyFlower

Given your children aren't babies nor teens, childcare should be readily available so you could work and cover the rent yourself.

The childs father/s may want to assist although a bedroom each is a luxury and not needed.

Failing that, you could try for a swap which you are likely to get or rent a two bedroomed place privately.

Heycock

Benefitbaby. Thanks for clarifying the timescale but i have a concern that the discretionary nature of the fund will mean councils will get rid and use the money to offset the impact of the planned CTB contributions on the vulnerable.

benefitbaby

Heycock wrote: »

Benefitbaby. Thanks for clarifying the timescale but i have a concern that the discretionary nature of the fund will mean councils will get rid and use the money to offset the impact of the planned CTB contributions on the vulnerable.

I too share your concerns, as DHPs can be awarded to cover council tax costs so this is an added cost to cover. My council is quite pragmatic with DHPs and if you are able to show there is no other realistic option to reducing the shortfall (move, lodger, additional income, ill health etc) then they have so far re-awarded. For how long this lasts who knows but I am keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed.

bestpud

Could you downsize and sleep downstairs on a sofa bed yourself, so the boys still get a room?

Alternatively, use the DLA you receive for your son, as it's an extra cost associated with his disability.

*LittleStar*

princessdon wrote: »

I know it sounds harsh but it is the way it is.

Do you claim DLA for your youngest?

If not and he has additional care needs due to his behavioural disabilities then look at this. It will pay far more than your shortfall. If you already get this, then use some to compensate for him needing his own room.

I dont claim for him at present but tbh i didnt know if I can as he is currently not diagnosed with anything but has BIG problems Im having to pay for Nursey also as childcare vouchers dont cover it all but he was asked to leave the playgroup and he went the nursery over the summet and he came on leaps amd bounds :-) i had early years funding in term time and couldnt use it there otherwise i would of kept him there.

My budget is tight (as i know many others are) and all these extra costs are adding up :-( Do u have any advice about DLA in thoose circumstances and were i can get it i dont seem to be able to get much advice from social services as they are heard to get hold off visit infrequently and pas:Ts the book alot Thanks Princess and others :-)