Around 140 Powys households may be missing out on extra help with rent and housing costs, the county council has warned.

Using data analytics software, the council has identified residents who could be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and will write to them in the coming weeks.

If eligible, households can receive additional support on top of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. The council believes around 40 of the homes identified are its own tenants, with the rest in private or housing association properties.

DHPs can help cover rent shortfalls, deposits, moving costs or, in some cases, rent arrears.

A claim can be made online through the council’s website or by calling 01597 827462.

Residents struggling with bills are urged to seek support.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “If you are struggling to cover your rent or household bills, please don’t wait – support is available.

“If you’re finding it hard to manage, please reach out. We may be able to help with a top-up to your housing costs.”

The council has invested in intelligent data analytics software for a year called LIFT (Low Income Family Tracker), to help identify people in need of help. In June, it wrote to nearly 900 Powys households it believed could be struggling financially as bills and other prices rise. And in August it wrote to 700 people it thought could be missing out on Personal Independence Payments.

Free and confidential money advice is available at any time.

Get help as a council tenant:

For all other households: