If you claim Housing Benefit or receive housing cost payments through Universal Credit and need financial help because your benefit is less than the full amount of your rent, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) can help cover this.
DHP is not for covering the cost of things included in your rent (for example, fuel, water, food). Read our DHP policy (PDF, 86kb).
Am I entitled to DHP?
We must be satisfied that you need help with your housing costs. The decision will be based on:
- income
- savings (PDF, 19kb) you and your partner have
- whether you have anyone living with you who can contribute to housing costs
- loans or debt you have got to pay
- special circumstances you or your family members may have, for example, a disability
- whether you can rearrange your finances or accommodation arrangements in order to pay your rent more easily
How to apply
For Housing Associations or Council properties that have an Under Occupancy Deduction on their Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, due to:
- Social Sector Size Criteria (Bedroom Tax)
- Benefit Cap reduction
Please complete the:
DHP short form
If you complete this form, and don't meet the criteria, we will refuse your application.
For a Discretionary Housing Payment related to financial hardship as well as either under occupancy or benefit cap, we will need to assess your income.
Please complete the:
DHP full form
How much can I get and for how long?
This depends on circumstances. Each case is looked at individually.
Please note there is no guarantee that you'll get a payment once you apply.
DHP payments
If your application is successful you will receive payment as follows:
- if you receive Housing Benefit, payment is made with your Housing Benefit payment
- if you receive Universal Credit, payment is made direct to your bank account or to your landlord, if you are a Council or Registered Social Landlord tenant
What happens if I disagree with the amount or period of the DHP?
If you disagree with our decision, you should complete the appeal a decision form no later than 20 days after the date on the decision notification you received from us.
Appeal a decision
We will look at your application again and contact you with the outcome.
What if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change you must tell us, in writing, within one month.
We will look at the DHP we awarded and see if it needs to be changed, this could be more, or less, and you may have to pay some, or all, back.
Where can I get help?
For help and advice, contact us, or: