Discretionary Housing Payment

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are for people who need extra help with their rent when housing benefit, local housing allowance, or universal credit housing costs don’t cover the full amount. If you are suffering financial hardship or your tenancy is at risk, you may be able to get help from the DHP fund.

DHP’s are not the same as housing benefit or universal credit and the government has set restrictions on how much money can be paid out in any financial year. Payments are usually made as a short-term measure for those experiencing difficult circumstances to assist them.

You must be in receipt of housing benefit or the housing costs element of universal credit to be considered for a DHP award.

Each council sets it’s own scheme for administering DHP.

Before applying, please read our policy.