The Discretionary Financial Assistance Regulations 2001

Form, manner and procedure for claims

6.—(1) A relevant authority may accept a claim for discretionary housing payments—

(a) in such form and manner as it approves;

(b) from—

(i) a person entitled to either housing benefit or, as the case may be, council tax benefit; or

(ii) where it appears reasonable in the circumstances of a particular case, a person acting on behalf of a person so entitled.

(2) A relevant authority may pay discretionary housing payments to either the person entitled to housing benefit or council tax benefit, or where it appears reasonable in the circumstances of a particular case, such other person as the authority thinks appropriate.

(3) A relevant authority shall give a person who has claimed discretionary housing payments or who has requested a review of a decision made in respect of his claim, written notice of its decision in respect of that claim or review and the reasons for that decision as soon as is reasonably practicable.