Civic Centre Access Restrictions

VISITORS to Hartlepool Civic Centre and the adjoining Law Courts are advised that essential repair work is ongoing at the front entrance to the building. Access is restricted during these works

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP's)

Additional help with Housing costs.

Discretionary housing payments are additional payments towards rent, council tax or both and can be paid to benefit customers who need additional help due to short term need or support.

The amount of money we are given by Government is limited and is available for use between April and March of each financial year. Once we have used the amount of money we have been given we cannot award any further payments before the following April. Any new awards would be subject to the Benefits Section receiving funding from Government and is not guaranteed.

You must be entitled to some housing benefit and or council tax benefit in order to be considered for a discretionary housing payment. We can't pay discretionary housing payments towards service charges that don't count for Housing Benefit, things like charges for water, heating or meals.

To claim a Discretionary Housing Payment you will need to complete an application form and provide proof of outgoings.

You can request a claim form by ringing the Benefits Section on 01429 284188 or e-mail benefits@hartlepool.gov.uk

You must provide proof of all of your outgoings (receipts). If you do not provide your receipts an award of Discretionary Housing Payment will not be considered and your application may be closed.

The information provided on this website is for guidance only. It does not cover all the rules for all the benefits for every situation, nor does it provide a full interpretation of the rules. It should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of law.