Benefits - Financial assessment

If you are still in financial difficulty due to a shortfall between your Housing Benefit entitlement and the rent you are charged, you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. The Benefits Service will look closely at your personal circumstances and your finances, and may make an additional award of benefit if you are suffering hardship. This benefit is paid from a fixed annual fund and is not awarded to everyone who claims it.

If you have capital of more than £16 000, this includes things such as bank accounts, building society accounts, investment funds and shares, then you cannot claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, though you may still be eligible for Second Adult Rebate.

The only exception to the capital limit is for pensioners who receive the Guaranteed element of Pension Credit.

If you would like to know more about Housing and Council Tax Benefits, then you can telephone the Customer Services Team on 020 8753 1396, write to The Benefits Service, Housing Centre, 77 Glenthorne Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0LJ, or e-mail benefits@lbhf.gov.uk.

You may also be able to obtain assistance from a Citizens’ Advice Bureau or the Shepherds Bush Advice Centre.