If you’re struggling to cover your rent or housing costs, you may be able to get extra help from your local council through a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
This page explains what DHP is, who can apply, and how to find the correct council contact for your area.
What Is a Discretionary Housing Payment?
A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is a short-term payment provided by local councils to help people who already receive:
- Housing Benefit, or
- The housing element of Universal Credit
DHPs are designed to help cover rent shortfalls, including situations caused by:
- the Benefit Cap
- the Bedroom Tax
- Local Housing Allowance (LHA) limits
- temporary financial hardship
DHPs are not guaranteed and are awarded at the council’s discretion.
Who Can Apply for a DHP?
You may be eligible to apply if you:
- Receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit
- Are struggling to meet your full rent
- Have experienced a recent change in circumstances
- Face hardship due to benefit reductions or rising housing costs
Each council sets its own criteria, so eligibility and award amounts can vary.
How Discretionary Housing Payments Work
Important things to know:
- DHPs are temporary (often weeks or months at a time)
- They are paid by your local council, not the DWP
- You usually need to apply directly to the council
- Supporting evidence is often required
Councils may consider:
- household income and expenses
- medical or family circumstances
- efforts made to find affordable accommodation
How to Find Your Local Council DHP Information
To apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment, you must contact the council responsible for your area.
Most councils provide:
- online DHP application forms
- downloadable paper forms
- guidance notes explaining what evidence is needed
Ways to find the correct council:
- Check your council tax bill
- Use your council’s housing or benefits section
- Look up your council using your postcode
What You’ll Usually Need to Apply
While requirements vary by council, you may be asked for:
- details of your rent and tenancy
- proof of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit
- recent bank statements
- a breakdown of household expenses
- an explanation of your circumstances
Providing clear information can improve your chances of a decision being made quickly.
What If Your DHP Application Is Refused?
If your application is turned down:
- you can usually ask the council to review the decision
- you may be able to reapply if your circumstances change
- the council should explain why the decision was made
DHP decisions are discretionary, but councils must follow fair decision-making processes.
Other Housing Help You Can Ask About
When contacting your council, it may also be worth asking about:
- council tax reduction schemes
- local housing support services
- debt or budgeting advice
- hardship funds or crisis grants
Some councils offer additional local schemes alongside DHP.
Important Note
This website provides independent information to help you understand Discretionary Housing Payments and how to find your local council’s guidance.
We are not affiliated with any council, the DWP, or Jobcentre Plus.
