Re-applying for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) after first award

ilomilo

I'm currently in receipt of Universal Credit and was also awarded DHP until the end of March.

I was wondering if anyone has experiences in applying again after their initial award period expired? I have a job lined up but it doesn't start until June. I'm under a Debt Relief Order until September which is hindering my ability to move to a cheaper house due to it's impact on my credit rating and landlord/agent policies on insolvency. I'm worried as once my DHP is up I won't have enough money to live off.

Has anyone re-applied and been awarded it again?

poppy12345

ilomilo said:

Has anyone re-applied and been awarded it again?

Yes i have but each individual person will be different because all local councils have their own criteria and budget. I'd advise you to re-apply in the same way you applied the first time and wait to see what the decision is.

ilomilo

poppy12345 said:

ilomilo said:

Has anyone re-applied and been awarded it again?

Yes i have but each individual person will be different because all local councils have their own criteria and budget. I'd advise you to re-apply in the same way you applied the first time and wait to see what the decision is.

Ok, I'll reapply just before I receive my last payment in March and hope they award it again. Thanks. 

Ivabr89

Good luck I've tried and it's now with a panel. Ridiculous process to appeal 

Gary1963

My second application ends on the 29th of March. I always apply a week before as its from the following Monday. 
My situation won't change until I can move to a one bed flat!

calcotti

Gary1963 said:

My second application ends on the 29th of March. I always apply a week before as its from the following Monday. 
My situation won't change until I can move to a one bed flat!

One thing that may help if you are reapplying is if you can evidence that you have been seeking to downsize and/or explain why you have not been able to. What councils want to avoid is DHP funds being used to support tenants in unaffordable accommodation if the tenant is not making reasonable efforts to resolve the problem. 

Gary1963

calcotti said:

One thing that may help if you are reapplying is if you can evidence that you have been seeking to downsize and/or explain why you have not been able to. What councils want to avoid is DHP funds being used to support tenants in unaffordable accommodation if the tenant is not making reasonable efforts to resolve the problem. 

This is very true. I am on the local housing list and bid regularly. Unfortunately more bidders than properties available.

poppy12345

If you are a single person then you maybe waiting a very long time for social housing, regardless of bidding. 

ilomilo

For people who have made a second application, do you apply as normal or with acknowledgement you’ve been receiving this previously and with things you’ve done to improve your situation since? Thanks.

calcotti

ilomilo said:

For people who have made a second application, do you apply as normal or with acknowledgement you’ve been receiving this previously and with things you’ve done to improve your situation since? Thanks.

You apply in the normal way but it would be sensible to explain why you have not been able to improve your situation and why you therefore still need assistance.