What Is a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)?

A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is extra financial support that may be available from your local council if you need additional help with housing costs.

DHPs are intended to help people who already receive support towards their housing costs through Housing Benefit or the Housing Costs Element of Universal Credit, but are still struggling to pay their rent.

A Discretionary Housing Payment can help when there is a shortfall between the housing support you receive and the rent you need to pay.

A DHP may be used to help with:

• Rent shortfalls.
• Rent arrears.
• Housing costs linked to a disability.
• Moving costs in certain circumstances.
• Deposits or rent in advance in some situations.
• Temporary financial difficulties affecting your ability to pay rent.

Each application is assessed individually by the local council.

You may be able to apply for a DHP if:

• You receive Housing Benefit, or
• You receive the Housing Costs Element of Universal Credit.

If you do not receive help with housing costs through one of these benefits, you will not normally qualify for a DHP.

A DHP may be considered if you are experiencing financial hardship because of housing costs.

Examples include:

• Your benefit does not cover your full rent.
• You are affected by the Benefit Cap.
• You are affected by the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy (sometimes called the Bedroom Tax).
• You need to move to more suitable accommodation.
• You have exceptional housing-related expenses.
• Your circumstances have changed unexpectedly.

No.

A DHP is a discretionary payment, which means your local council decides:

• Whether to award a payment.
• How much to award.
• How long the award will last.

Receiving Universal Credit or Housing Benefit does not automatically mean you will receive a DHP.

When assessing an application, the council may look at:

• Your income and expenditure.
• Your savings.
• Your household circumstances.
• Any disabilities or health conditions.
• Your caring responsibilities.
• Rent arrears or housing difficulties.
• Any steps you have taken to improve your situation.

You may be asked to provide evidence to support your application.

There is no standard amount.

The amount awarded will depend on:

• Your individual circumstances.
• The level of financial hardship.
• The funding available to your local council.

Some awards may cover a short-term emergency, while others may be awarded for a longer period.

Applications are made through your local council.

You will normally need to provide:

• Details of your income.
• Information about your expenses.
• Evidence of your rent liability.
• Details of any debts or arrears.
• Information about your household circumstances.

Providing clear and accurate information can improve the chances of your application being assessed quickly.

If your application is unsuccessful, you can:

• Ask the council to explain the decision.
• Request a review if your council allows this.
• Seek advice about alternative sources of support.
• Reapply if your circumstances change.

A refusal does not necessarily mean you cannot receive support in the future.

DHP awards are usually temporary.

The council will tell you:

• The amount awarded.
• How long the award will last.
• Whether you need to reapply in the future.

It is important to plan ahead if the award is due to end.

If you are struggling with housing costs, you may also be able to access:

• Council Tax Reduction.
• Household Support Fund.
• Welfare assistance schemes.
• Charitable grants.
• Debt advice and budgeting support.
• Benefits checks to ensure you're receiving all available support.

• Check whether you're eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
• Complete a DHP application.
• Gather supporting evidence.
• Explore other housing-related support.
• Maximise your income through benefits and grants.

Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.