Discretionary Housing Payments FAQs

Details of how to apply can be found on our Discretionary Housing Payments page.

You may be asked to provide:

• two months of bank statements for all accounts you hold, showing all income and expenditure
• Universal Credit statements
• rent statements
• evidence of income (if changed since your last Housing Benefit assessment or if you're receiving Universal Credit)
• evidence to confirm your circumstances or those of your family

If you do not provide your required evidence, we cannot assess your application. Additional information may also be requested during the assessment process.

The amount and duration of DHP support depends on your personal circumstances. In some cases, DHP may not be suitable and you may be signposted to other support services.

You may be asked to take steps to improve your situation such as:

• downsizing or moving to more affordable accommodation
• reducing non-essential spending
• seeking employment

If your circumstances change, you must inform us immediately. DHPs are not intended for long-term use.

You will receive a decision letter outlining any payments awarded and contact details for further advice.

No cash awards can be made, and we are unable to reimburse any costs that you have already paid. This scheme is discretionary and there is no automatic entitlement to an award.

If you rent from a private landlord, LHA may apply. It is based on

• your location
• number of people in your household
• ages of household members

LHA considers:

• every adult couple
• any other adult aged 16 and over
• two children of the same sex aged under 16
• two children under 10
• any other child under 16

The following are examples of what rate you may expect to pay in certain circumstances:

• single claimants under 35: shared accommodation rate
• single claimants over 35 or couples without children: one-bedroom rate (if applicable)
• couple with one child: two-bedroom rate

You can search for LHA rates via GOV.UK. 

You can request a review within 14 working days of the decision letter. You should include:

• reasons for disagreement
• any supporting evidence

Please submit to: financialinclusion@solihull.gov.uk 

If you use screenshots for supporting evidence, please ensure they are clear and show your details.

Reviews are only considered if there is an official error or oversight.

DHPs do not carry appeal rights to a Social Security Tribunal. You may pursue a judicial review or contact the Local Government Ombudsman for maladministration concerns.

No, DHP cannot be used for council tax payments.

You can find information about council tax support on our website using the following links:

• council tax and benefits
• contact us about council tax
• council tax account
• Council Tax Discretionary Reduction in Liability

The Financial Inclusion Team will decide who receives the payment. This could be:

• you (the claimant)
• your partner
• an appointee
• your landlord or their agent
• a third party

DHPs are made by:

• electronic transfer (e.g. BACS)
• rent account credit (if renting from Solihull Community Housing)

You can contact our Financial Inclusion Team by:

• phone: 0121 704 6202
• email: financialinclusion@solihull.gov.uk 

Financial Inclusion Officers are not debt advisors, but they may:

• request evidence of debts to support your application
• refer or signpost you to partner organisations

Support is available via Here2Help.