Discretionary Housing Payment

Discretionary Housing Payment

You can apply for a DHP if you are currently in receipt of either:

• Housing Benefit (HB).
• The housing element of Universal Credit (UCHC).

A DHP can be applied for, to assist with any of the following:

• A shortfall between your rent liability and your HB or UC housing costs.
• Rent arrears.
• Benefit Cap.
• Removal expenses.
• Rent in advance and/or deposit for a private rented property.

Please do not apply for a DHP for rent in advance and/or deposit for a Housing Association property as we are not able to assist with this.

A DHP will not be awarded if your rent is covered in full by either HB or UC housing costs unless this is for removal costs or rent in advance/deposit for a private landlord.

If you currently claiming assistance with your rent under a different authority but need to claim a DHP, you will need to apply to them.

A DHP is not a benefit, and the council has a limited amount of money each year for those who need extra financial help with their housing costs. You do not have a statutory right to receive a payment and should not rely on getting one.

Each case is considered on its own merits and in accordance with the council’s Discretionary Housing Payments policy which takes both the financial and personal circumstances of the applicant into account.

Any steps that the applicant is taking to address the situation with any shortfall will be considered as well as any efforts they have made to maximise other support available to them. You should also register on Home Seeker Plus if you are in a property that is not suitable or unaffordable.

DHPs cannot cover Council Tax, even if you receive Council Tax Reduction. If you are experiencing hardship, you may wish to apply for a Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief (section 13A) payment – to find out more information and apply, please visit Help to pay your Council Tax. This is a discretionary payment that can be awarded based on individual circumstances.