Discretionary Housing Payments

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) provide financial support to help with rent or housing costs. It gives you extra money when Housing Benefit and Universal Credit housing costs do not cover your full rent.

A DHP is for short-term help to support your rent while you try to change your spending and income or find cheaper housing.

DHPs are allocated from a limited fund provided to local authorities each year and are only awarded in cases of financial hardship. The Council decides who gets a DHP and awards are not guaranteed.

There is no right to appeal of the application is denied.

A DHP can only be awarded if you are receiving Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit

Payments cannot be given for the following:

• Deductions from Universal Credit housing costs
• Increases in rent due to rent you owe
• Service charges not covered by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit
• Any reduction in benefit as a result of a sanction. DHP will be assessed using the unrestricted amount
• Help with moving costs

If you need help with rent in advance, a deposit, or moving costs, you will need to apply at least 4 weeks in advance. You need to provide evidence of the rent in advance or a deposit. For moving costs, you need to provide three quotes.