A friend from UK posted this on my wall today about the bedroom tax being implemented.

[Jane-Martin]

Those affected by the bedroom tax have probably received letters saying how much you have to pay from April 1st, but how many of you received a letter from the local council telling you to apply for DHP ( discretionary housing payment) you can apply for this and get the amount paid for you. It was in the Times yesterday, first I had heard of it. Hope this helps, kept that bloody quiet didn't they...

[Jane-Martin]

Ohh goodness. Guess I should have realised it was too simple.

[Zezes-nan]

I haven't had a letter saying how much I will need to pay but my housing assocation told me that I could possibly claim a Discretionary Housing payment.

The governement are giving a lot of extra money to councils to provide extra money in their pots to help disabled people who can't move home because their homes have been significantly adapted. I wasn't sure so I rang my local council who said because I had a stair lift and adapted bathroom I should apply but as APsnotFab said its usually a one off short term payment so they won't pay long term. The form I had to fill in was lengthy and I had to put down all my income and outgoings, reasons why I can't move to a smaller property, readons for staying in the area such as medical support, specialists, support network and social activities.

It can take anything up to 20 weeks to process so if anyone is considering applying do it now!

Jane-Martin I would give it a go after all they can only say yes or no so its a 50/50 shot Good luck