Housing Payments

Changes to Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) from April 2026

Crisis Resilience Fund – Housing Payment (HP)

This scheme replaces Discretionary Housing Payments from 1 April 2026.

You may be able to get a Housing Payment if you’re already getting Housing Benefit or Universal Credit

Housing costs can include:

• Rental liability (ongoing rent)
• Rent in advance
• Tenancy deposit
• Removal or relocation costs

Other lump-sum payments essential for securing or preventing homelessness Housing Payments cannot be greater than what you’re responsible to pay for your weekly rent. They are not long-term payments. They are awarded on a short-term basis while you take action to improve your circumstances.

Do I qualify for a Housing Payment?

You can only qualify for an award if;

• you are entitled to housing benefit or can provide evidence that you are entitled to the housing element of Universal Credit; and
• pay rent and require further assistance with housing costs

HP is a temporary solution while you find a way to cover your rental shortfall by, for example, finding work or moving to affordable accommodation. Please note that if you have made a claim for rent in advance and/or deposit and already moved into the property, you will not receive an award in this circumstance.

How to apply

• complete the application form, you may need;
  • your benefit claim reference number, if known
  • details of household income and expenditure.
  • details of how much rent you are charged and landlord details including bank details
  • to upload evidence to support your application eg copies of pay slips, tenancy agreement showing rent amount

If you are already working with a local support agency, support worker or charity, they might be able to help you to apply.

Housing Payments

Please complete our on line application, which can be found on the right hand side of this screen. You will find useful information from the guidance and once we receive your application we will be working on the assessment.  

If you have applied for a Housing Payment within the last 28 days and are awaiting the outcome, please do not complete another application form, contact the office via email housing.payments@tewkesbury.gov.uk for an update on your application.

Who is not eligible

You will not be eligible for a Housing Payment if:

• Your Universal Credit housing element covers your rent in full
• You are requesting rent in advance for a property that is not in the private rented sector
• You cannot provide the required information to support your application
• You do not currently live in Tewkesbury Borough Council area