The Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme has been replaced with a new scheme.
From the 1st April, the Government have stopped the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme and implemented a new one called Crisis and Resilience Fund. Part of this fund relates to Housing Payments, and is available to those residents who would have applied for the previous Discretionary Housing Payment scheme for help towards housing their costs.
For more information and to apply please go to
Crisis and Resilience Fund-Housing Payment
Updated 14th April 2026.
Council Tax Reduction-Update for Working-Age Residents
We are making a change to the way working age residents apply for help with paying Council Tax.
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit and you apply for Council Tax Reduction, any entitlement you have will be applied to your Council tax account.
Please note that this change is only about the way you apply and how your award is shown on your Council tax bill. There will be no change to the level of support you may be entitled to under this scheme.
This new approach will allow the Benefits Team to make quicker and simpler decisions by using the information you already hold in your online Universal Credit account to assess the level of discount you may be entitled to.
Applications will be made through the Council’s online Grant Approval portal, which you will be able to register for, this is a quick and easy process to complete.
Further information will be provided shortly to confirm when the scheme will go live, with details on how you can apply.
If you are a Wealden resident and are of Pension Age, you will continue to apply under the existing Council Tax Reduction scheme, you can find the link here
Who Can Get Council Tax Reduction
Updated 8th April 2026.
Heating Oil Support Fund
If you rely on heating oil and are struggling with the recent rise in prices, you may be able to get financial support. The Government has announced extra funding for low-income households, and this support will soon be available locally across East Sussex.
Who can get help
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following:
- your main heating source is oil
- you are on a low income
- you are at immediate risk of being unable to heat your home or access hot water due to rising oil costs.
How to apply
You can apply for help through Citizen’s Advice 1066:
- Online: Energy self referral form – Citizen’s Advice 1066
Please tick the ‘heating oil’ checkbox under the reason for seeking help. See also: Citizen’s Advice 1066 privacy notice. - Phone: 0800 464 7307
Why this support is being offered
Heating oil prices have increased sharply, leaving some households facing immediate hardship. Many homes that are not connected to the gas grid rely on oil for heating and hot water. The Government has recognised that where residents rely on oil, some are likely to need additional support due to rising costs.
Updated March 2026
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Portal
The Revenues and Benefits Service now has a portal where you can access your Housing benefit and Council tax information online, such as awards, bills, any discounts or exemptions that have been applied to your account. You can check to see if the details we have are correct, and this saves sending you paper letters and bills. All you have to do is register or sign in.
Council Tax Reduction Terminal Illness Policy 2026-27
Wealden District Council has a new policy from the 1 April 2026 which outlines how it will use its discretionary powers under Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to remove residual Council Tax liability for households affected by terminal illness and experiencing financial hardship. It ensures that households already assessed for Council Tax Reduction and facing end-of-life hardship are not left with remaining Council Tax to pay.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A valid SR1 form certified by a GP or medical professional has been submitted to the Council and accepted
- The household has been awarded Council Tax Reduction at less than 100%
- The applicant remains liable for Council Tax at the property
- The claim relates to the current financial year only
If you would like more information on the policy please contact the Council tax team on 01323 443385 or email localtax@wealden.gov.uk.