Discretionary Housing Payments
Help with rent
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP’s) provides financial support to help with rent or housing costs. It does not cover Local Council Tax Support. It gives you extra money when Housing Benefit and Universal Credit housing costs do not cover your full rent.
A DHP can only be awarded if you are receiving
- Housing Benefit
- or the housing costs element of Universal Credit
We cannot give payments for
- Deductions from Universal Credit housing costs
- Increases in rent due to rent you owe
- Service charges not covered by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit
- Any reduction in benefit as a result of a sanction. DHP will be assessed using the unrestricted amount
Help with moving costs
If you need help with rent in advance, a deposit, or moving costs, apply at least 4 weeks in advance. You need to provide evidence of the rent in advance or deposit. For moving costs, you need to provide three quotes.
More information
A DHP is for short-term help to support your rent while you try to change your spending and income or find cheaper housing.
DHPs come from a limited fund given to local authorities each year and are only awarded in cases of financial hardship. The Council decides who gets a DHP and awards are not guaranteed.
There is no right of appeal if your request is denied. However, you can ask us to look at our decision again and another decision maker will look at your application.
Find out more about the Discretionary Housing Payment policy.
How to apply
If you need extra help complete the Discretionary Housing Payment form.