Liverpool housing and rent assistance from Discretionary Housing Payments

The council is providing one-time assistance for rental and housing payments for individuals in Liverpool that are on a low income. Government funds are aimed at those threatened by homelessness, families facing eviction, and there can even be aid for residents that are struggling as a result of the Universal Credit benefit changes.

When applying, the Liverpool housing authority as well as the council will need to review each application and circumstances behind it, and each individual or family will be assessed before any payment for rent is made. Some of the priorities in place are noted below.

All funds are provided solely at the discretion of the council, and Liverpool will target its assistance at people facing an emergency or crisis situation. The money is also for a short term solution, such as help with a rent arrears for one month, and residents can’t continue to apply for the Discretionary Housing Payments multiple times. There is also priority for individuals that have their tenancy at risk, and if the hardship was unexpected and not caused by them, such as those impacted by a job redundancy or illness.

While the programme has only been operating since 2013, some of the households in Liverpool that have received a payment in the past fell into these examples. There has been funds issued to people with a disability, families with young children in school, those caring for a household member, and also residents impacted by recent benefit reductions. Others can receive help as well, including tenants that receive only one monthly cheque as part of the Universal Credit.

Conditions of the Liverpool Discretionary Housing Payment

Liverpool has restrictions in place for what the Discretionary Housing Payments can cover, and that is for rent arrears or a mortgage payment only. The funds can’t be used for fuel or gas bills or repairs, even if those would cause the tenancy agreement to end. Money also can’t be used for any non-housing related debts either, or it will not assist people that committed fraud in the past.

The council also not help families that live in a flat or privately rented home that is charging excessive rent, as the aim of the scheme is to help those who would otherwise be living independent. So even if DHP was provided to a tenant in that situation, they still would not be able to pay the next months rent, so the money will not do any good.

Instead, the city will recommend or require that person to move to a different area of Liverpool or Merseyside County that is more affordable, and one that their Universal Credit or housing benefit can even pay all the rent one. The housing authority even has information on more affordable accommodations, and they can even refer applicants to deposit schemes to help with that resettlement.

The applications need to be sent directly to the city. Proof of income, hardship, and other information will be required by the Liverpool City Council as well. For those that are assisted, any funds from DHP will most likely be paid directly to the landlord. In some cases the applicant will be given the money directly, but that is not common.

The application can be sent to the post of Liverpool City Council, PO Box 13, Liverpool, L69 2JG. Or, for those with access to an internet point, they can email it to benefits.service@liverpool.gov.uk.