Last updated 24 March

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak we are conscious many of our residents are likely to suffer a financial impact if they are forced to take unpaid leave, redundancy, work as a temp through an agency or work under a zero hours contract with many company’s closing for a number of weeks.  In addition to this, there will be a number of households who are self-isolating and unable to leave their home as such we have brought together some information relating to financial support the council might be able to provide. Announcements are being made daily and we will continue to update the website as further information is received.

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Discretionary Housing Payment

If you are struggling to meet a shortfall in your rent you may be able to get extra help from us by applying for a ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP).

Discretionary Housing Payments can provide extra money to you or your landlord if you already receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (including Housing Costs towards rental liability) but there is a shortfall between the rent you have to pay and the Housing Benefit/Housing Costs you receive. DHP’s are usually paid for a few months to help you through a crisis or short-term problem, but can pay for longer periods in exceptional circumstances.

We’ll look at your circumstances to firstly see whether you’re eligible. We’ll then decide on the amount to award you and for how long.

Further information on DHP’s and how to apply

Crisis Fund

Barnet’s Crisis Fund can help people who need extra help in an emergency or help to support or maintain themselves in the community following a stay in hospital or being released from prison.

Conditions include:

  • being resident in or having a connection with Barnet
  • receiving or qualifying for Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other welfare benefits.
  • no other source of funds such as grants you could apply for.

Barnet’s Crisis Fund can also help residents who are working but on a low income along with people who have a pending Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit claim.

Further information about Barnet’s Crisis Fund

Council Tax Discretionary Relief

You can apply for a Council Tax Discretionary Relief (CTDR) if you are suffering from hardship due to exceptional circumstances and require help to meet your Council Tax liability.

It is only used for short term assistance and is made at the council’s discretion in cases where it considers that extra help with council tax liability is needed.   

In order to be eligible for Council Tax discretionary relief, you must:

  • Be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax and
  • Demonstrate that you need financial help in order to pay your Council Tax and are actively taking steps to address your financial hardship.
  • CTDR cannot be used to help with housing costs however you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment using the same application form.

Further information on Council Tax Discretionary Relief and how to apply