Depending on your circumstances there are several housing related support schemes that you may be able to access if you’re struggling to keep up with your rent payments or cover your Council Tax. If you need further advice on any of these support schemes, then do contact us at Citizens Advice Winchester District or take a look at the Housing section on the national Citizens Advice website.
The Exceptional Hardship Fund
The Exceptional Hardship Fund payment is an extra payment to help towards reducing your Council Tax liability. They may be paid to people whether or not they are receiving Council Tax Reduction and can be paid towards a council tax charge on an occupied or unoccupied property. Find more details on the Winchester City Council website.
Discretionary Housing Payments
A Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) can provide extra money when you need extra help to meet your housing costs. You can apply because you have an ongoing shortfall in your rent or need help towards a one off housing cost such as moving house.
**Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) will come to an end on 31 March 2026. From 01 April 2026, the scheme will be replaced by the Housing Payment strand of the Crisis and Resilience Fund. The new Housing Payment will closely replicate existing DHP guidelines, further information on how to apply will be released soon.
Find more details on the Winchester City Council website.
Council Tax discounts and reductions
You might be able to pay less council tax or not pay it at all depending on your circumstances. For instance, you might be able to get discounts for a single person or an empty property, a Council Tax Reduction if you have a low income or a different reduction if you can’t get a Council Tax Reduction. Find out more details on the Citizens Advice website.
Housing Benefit
You might be able to get Housing Benefit to help pay your rent if you’re on a low income or you claim benefits. Housing Benefit is paid by your local council. If you own your home, you may be able to get help to pay your mortgage interest instead. Find our more details on the Citizens Advice website.