How will I make up any shortfall in rent? If you are under-occupying and will have your Housing benefit reduced there are several options you can take.
Staying in the same property You may decide to pay the difference between your Housing Benefit and your rent yourself by: n Using other personal income. n Asking non-dependants to contribute. n Taking in a lodger. n Increasing hours of work. n Taking a job. n A pplying for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) - In exceptional circumstances a claimant may be entitled to a payment for a temporary period from the Discretionary Housing Payment Fund. This is a fund administered by the local authority for those they consider in real need of additional help.
Moving to a different property The council can support you to move to a smaller property, but we do not have enough properties to assist everyone immediately. You should also consider: n Mutual exchange - The council is a member of the national Homeswapper service which holds details of mutual exchanges within Caerphilly county borough as well as details of those from outside the area. Any tenant renting from Caerphilly County Borough Council can register free of charge on the Homeswapper website www.homeswapper.co.uk n Registering with a Registered Social Landlord. n Renting a private property.