Housing financial help

If you are struggling with your housing costs, financial support may be available to help you.

• Universal Credit 
  • Access to the Internet or a device 
  • Calculating what and how much you are entitled to
• Council tax reduction
• Discretionary Housing Payments
• Discretionary Council Tax Reduction (DCTR)
• Supporting You

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people on a low income (opens new window), whether they are in or out of work. It has replaced the following benefits for most working-age claimants:

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit for most working age customers

Access to the internet or a device 

If you have no internet or device access to make a claim for Universal Credit, you can use your local library. All libraries also have free internet access, and you do not need to be a member to use it. Some libraries operate a booking system.

Find your local library in West Sussex (opens new window).

Calculating what and how much you are entitled to

Please use the Entitled to benefits calculator (opens new window).

Council tax reduction

Council Tax Reduction helps people on low incomes with the cost of their council tax and is paid by the local council. It is a means tested discount that reduces your council tax bill. It is not a benefit.

Please visit Discretionary Council Tax Reduction (DCTR) form for more information. 

Discretionary Council Tax Reduction (DCTR)

In Chichester, there is a Discretionary Council Tax Reduction (DCTR) scheme. It helps with the payment of council tax for people who are deemed financially vulnerable.

For more information on Discretionary Council Tax Reduction, please visit Benefit forms.

Discretionary Housing Payments

The Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) provides extra help with housing costs for people who already receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. It is meant for those who are facing financial difficulties and need additional support with their rent.

DHPs are short-term payments and are only given to people with exceptional financial circumstances. The funding is limited, so not all applications will be successful, and if the funds run out, no further payments can be made.

Housing costs usually mean rent, but Discretionary Housing Payments can also cover other housing-related expenses, such as:

• Rent in advance
• Deposits
• Removal costs
• Other one-off housing costs

To apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment, you must already be getting Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. These payments are made on top of your usual benefits and are not guaranteed.

Supporting You

The council has a Supporting You team, with specialist trained advisors. Their role is helping people access a wide range of help.

This support includes:

• income maximisation;
• debt signposting;
• employment advice;
• budgeting support; and,
• health and wellbeing advice.