Hi there,
I tend to look at what the need is and then determine a period based upon what the future might hold. For example, in many cases I award to the end of tenancy expecting the tenant to find cheaper accomodation. However, I sometime award until the end of the financial yer (for CTB cases) or even for six months if I now there will be a change in the future that solves the shortfall.
The real problem we have is avoiding people becomming dependant upon DHP. Sometimes we end up with MP letters and on for one claimant I was contacted by the minister’s office to discuss why we had only awarded help for 6 months. At the end of the day its what you think is fair that matters and being able to explain your decision. Personally, I am still trying to spend all the money I get.