Discretionary Housing Payment: extra housing help from the council

A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is extra, usually temporary, help with housing costs. Your local council awards it when your basic housing support does not stretch far enough.

Who qualifies?

To claim a DHP you must already get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. A DHP helps bridge the gap between that support and your actual rent — for example if your payment was cut by the "bedroom tax", by the benefit cap, or because your rent is above the Local Housing Allowance.

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What can it be used for?

A DHP most often goes towards ongoing rent, but a council can also help with one-off housing costs: rent arrears, a deposit or first month's rent when moving, or moving costs. It does not usually cover utility bills, Council Tax or mortgage arrears.

How do you apply?

You apply to your local council — each has its own form and rules, because the fund is limited and the payments are "discretionary". In the application, set out your income, expenses and why you are short. You can find your council through the tool on GOV.UK (the housing and Council Tax help section).

What should you keep in mind?

A DHP is awarded for a limited period, after which you reapply if needed. As council budgets are finite, you can be refused — you can then ask for the decision to be reviewed. If your rent problem is ongoing, also check everything you are entitled to (Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Council Tax reductions, the Household Support Fund) and get free advice, for example from Citizens Advice.

How do you improve your chances?

As the payment is discretionary and the council's budget is limited, the application matters a lot. Set out your income and expenses in detail, explain why you cannot cover the rent, and what you are doing to improve things (looking for cheaper housing, work, or challenging a benefit cut). Attach supporting documents. The clearer the picture of need, the better your chances.

What if you are refused?

A refusal is not final: you can ask the council to review the decision with new information. At the same time, check everything else you are entitled to: Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element, Council Tax reductions, the Household Support Fund, and help if you are threatened with homelessness. If rent arrears are growing and eviction is a risk, contact the council and get free advice (for example from Shelter or Citizens Advice) as early as possible — delay usually only makes things worse.