Discretionary Housing Payments

The Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) scheme can offer limited short term financial help with paying your rent.

A DHP is a short term emergency payment whilst you consider your future housing options. It should not be considered as a permanent way round any current or future entitlement restrictions set out within the Housing Benefit (HB) or Universal Credit (UC) scheme.

Before a DHP can be awarded:

• You must already be entitled to Housing Benefit (HB) or Universal Credit (UC).
• You must require additional help with your housing costs ie have a shortfall between your rent and benefit entitlement.
• The Council must have sufficient funds available to cover the cost of your DHP. 

DHP’s cannot be used for:

• Ineligible service charges for HB.
• Increases in rent due to outstanding rent arrears.
• Sanctions and reductions in benefit.
• Council Tax support through the local Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

In deciding whether to award a DHP, we take into account:

• The shortfall between Housing Benefit and the housing component of UC and the contractual rent.
• The income and expenditure of you and your household.
• Any savings or capital that might be held by you or your household.
• Any steps taken to reduce your rental liability. For example, have you tried or are you actively seeking alternative cheaper accommodation.
• Any future changes in circumstances that will lead to an increase in HB entitlement or UC entitlement
• Did you find out what your Local Housing Allowance would be before moving into the property?
• Were you aware of any restrictions on HB as a result of under occupation?
• Have you applied for all available sources of income to you? The level of indebtedness and committed expenditure of you and your family.