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:

You might get a DHP if you cannot pay your full rent because of:

You cannot get a DHP:

to repay rent arrears
to replace money taken from your benefits because of debt repayments or a sanction

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

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.

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.

You can apply again if your DHP finishes but you still need rent help.

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

Find out about:

Last updated: 7 August 2024