Discretionary housing payments (DHPs)
A DHP is money from the council to help with rent and costs like a tenancy deposit.
You need to be getting the universal credit housing element or housing benefit to get a DHP.
You do not have to pay a DHP back.
How a DHP can help
You could get a DHP for help with:
paying rent not covered by benefits
a tenancy deposit
rent in advance
moving costs
rent arrears
But you cannot get DHP if your rent goes up because you have to repay arrears.
Common situations when you might get a DHP
A DHP could top up your universal credit or housing benefit if you cannot afford your rent because of:
local housing allowance (LHA) not covering your full rent
When you cannot get a DHP
You cannot get a DHP for money taken from your benefits for:
debt repayments
sanctions
Make a DHP claim
Contact your council's discretionary housing payments team
What is your location?
What to say on the form
Tell the council:
why you need help
if you are at risk of homelessness because of the problem
what has caused problems, for example, the bedroom tax, or your benefits do not cover your whole rent
Easy read advice if you have a learning disability
Mencap has easy read advice on DHPs.
How much money could you get?
You could get enough money to make up your whole rent.
You might just get part of what you need.
A DHP can be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly or as a lump sum. They can be backdated.
How long do DHPs last?
DHPs are usually for a set time.
For example, the council could pay a DHP for 3 months to help you with a rent increase.
After that, they might expect you to find somewhere cheaper to live.
You could get a one off payment to help with a deposit, rent in advance or removal costs if you're moving home.
Getting another DHP
You can apply again if your DHP finishes but you still need rent help.
If the council says you cannot have a DHP
You can ask the council to look your situation again.
You can also apply for a DHP again.
Try to get more supporting information if you make a new application.
For example:
write a statement which shows your income, what you spend and how much help you need
medical information which shows why someone you live with needs their own bedroom
Other help
Find out about:
Last updated: 8 October 2024
