Discretionary Housing Payments
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) can provide additional financial support to people who currently receive Housing Benefit from their Local Authority or Housing costs from the Universal Credit Department.
A DHP can help with housing costs for those affected by:
- The benefit cap
- The Under Occupation reduction in social sector housing (14% reduction if under occupying by 1 bedroom or 25% if under occupying by 2 or more bedrooms)
- Local Housing Allowance (LHA) restrictions
- Non dependant deductions
- Costs associated with taking up a new tenancy, for example, removal costs and rent deposits
You cannot apply for a DHP to pay for:
- The cost of things Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit deem ineligible e.g. Utility costs, meals or personal care
- Any extra payments you must make because you are behind with your rent due to historic rent arrears
- Overpayment deductions being made from your Housing Benefit or Housing costs to pay back money previously overpaid to you
- Council Tax Charges
How much help can I get?
The amount you receive and the length of time you are awarded help, depends on your personal circumstances. In some cases, we may not deem DHP payments suitable for your situation and may signpost you elsewhere for advice or assistance.
The Local Authority may be able to award payments for a short period but will often ask for additional steps to be taken by you to improve your circumstances and avoid reliance on this limited additional fund. These requests may include downsizing, moving to more affordable accommodation, considering a lodger or reducing expenditure on non-essential items or subscriptions.
If your circumstances change, while in receipt of ongoing payments, you must inform us immediately as this could alter the amount we can continue to pay.
DHPs are not suitable for long term use and should therefore not be relied upon for any length of time.
What does the Local Authority look at when deciding a DHP payment?
When you apply, we'll look at:
- your income including any benefits you get
- your savings
- if you have any loans or debts
- if there is anyone in your house that could help you to pay your shortfall
- if anyone in your house is ill or disabled
- what you have done to try and pay your rent or housing costs
- Are you due money back from a former rental property deposit
What if I disagree with the decision?
You can write to us and ask us to review your application again within one month of the date of our decision and provide any additional supporting evidence that you think may affect the outcome of the initial decision. We will then write to you with the outcome of the review.
Please note that payments of DHP are at the Local Authorities discretion and consequently there is no further right of appeal.
How can I apply for Discretionary Housing Payments?
To apply for Discretionary Housing Payments, please complete our application.
Apply for Discretionary Housing Payments
If you have an exceptional reason why you are unable to complete the online form, please contact us on 03004 560 560 to request a paper application to be sent to you.
You will be given the opportunity to upload your supporting evidence during the online application process. If for any reason you don’t have the information available at the point of application, you can send your supporting evidence via email to
Please ensure you add your name, address and application reference number that will be provided to you when completing the form, to the email being sent to ensure it can be easily linked to your claim.
We aim to be in touch with a decision within 28 days of receiving your application where possible. It is important you supply us with supporting evidence to speed up the decision making.
