Housing Executive scheme could help with your rental shortfall

Private tenants struggling with rental costs are being encouraged to find out whether they qualify for extra financial support through the Housing Executive's Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme. The scheme is open to tenants in the private rented sector whose housing benefit does not fully cover their rent.

Funded by the Department for Communities and administered by the Housing Executive, the scheme is aimed at helping private tenants sustain their tenancy and preventing homelessness. It may provide additional help where the housing costs element of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit does not fully cover the rent charged by a landlord. Applications must be made directly to the Housing Executive.

Gillian Greer, Assistant Director Housing Benefit at the Housing Executive, said: "We want to make sure that everyone knows what help is available and we want to help as many people as we can.

"The Discretionary Housing Payment scheme is complex. Its main aim is to help people in the private rented sector meet the shortfall between the rental element used to calculate their Housing Benefit or housing costs element of Universal Credit and the contractual rent charged by the landlord. However, very specific eligibility criteria applies."

She added: "Discretionary Housing Payment comes from a finite fund and we want to ensure that the people who most need help are getting the support they need when they need it."

Those who may need assistance can visit nihe.gov.uk and under the Housing Benefit section go to Section 14, More Help with paying your housing costs. Alternatively, tenants can call 0344 8920 902 or email or write to their local Housing Benefit Unit, with contact details available on the Housing Executive website.