Communities Minister announces welcome changes to Discretionary Housing Payments for private renters

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced changes to the Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme, offering greater support to private renters.

The scheme which is administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, provides top-up payments to private renters to help meet the shortfall between their rent and help with housing costs. 

Changes to Discretionary Housing Payments

The changes will provide a much more flexible approach to payments and include

• Tenants who receive Universal Credit housing costs and lost the £20 uplift can now have their payment reviewed and increased if eligible
• Removal of the two-year time limit to DHPs
• The temporary 13-week protection payment for people who are newly claiming benefits will now be permanent
• New awards will now be made up to a minimum of the 50th percentile of the Local Housing Allowance rate
• A review of awards under £10 per week with a possible increase to these awards if appropriate

Housing Advice Practitioners Forum

Our next forum will begin with a presentation by Northern Ireland Housing Executive on the updates and changes to Discretionary Housing Payments.  Afterwards there will be an opportunity to ask questions.         

Register today if you'd like to attend the meeting on Wednesday March 30 2pm-4pm.

The Housing Advice Practitioners' Forum meets three times a year and is an opportunity for Housing Rights members to ensure they are kept updated on housing issues, as well as a forum for discussion on common issues facing their clients.