Council discretionary housing benefit

burnttoast

Do different councils have different rules re awarding discretionary top ups where the UC housing element doesn't cover all the rent payable? What are the criteria generally? Have any other departments any influence eg. Social services?

sgthammer

Yes, as the name suggests it's entirely at the discretion of the individual council. That doesn't mean it's totally case-by-case, and councils can choose what circumstances to prioritise as a matter of policy (e.g. bereavement, fleeing ASB, or whatever – subject of course to challenge by other legislation such as the Equality Act if they go too far off-piste), but usually "vulnerable" clients (however defined) should be in with a slightly better shout of an award that's not at least time-limited.

The only statutory wrinkle I know of is that the Scottish Government has made a blanket decision to offset shortfalls solely due to the bedroom tax, but only up to what the LHA would be for full occupancy. Which is fine if you're in social housing, but not a solution if you're paying market rate for a 1-bed. And obviously only applies north of the border.

NedS

Our local authority only award to vulnerable claimants, and all awards are time limited (e.g, a period of 12 months) to give the claimant time to address the causes and work towards being in a position where they are better able to support themselves. It's not intended as an indefinite top up of any shortfall in rent, even for the most vulnerable.