Discretionary Housing Payments

Short term help for those in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit where there is a shortfall between rent and housing costs.  

Short term help only to give you the chance to sort out your debts, negotiate a lower rent with your landlord or to find cheaper accommodation. There must be a shortfall between your Housing Benefit and the rent you need to pay. The amount of Discretionary Housing Payment, when added to your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit must not be more than your rent and you must not be able to afford to pay the shortfall out of your existing budget. A Discretionary Housing Payment will be paid with your Housing Benefit.

1. Am I eligible?

You must be in receipt of some housing benefit or universal credit and:

• There must be a shortfall between your housing benefit or universal credit and the rent you need to pay, and
• The amount of discretionary housing payment paid, when added to your housing benefit or universal credit must not be more than your rent, and
• You cannot afford to pay the shortfall out of your existing budget.

Discretionary housing payments are only for helping with short term problems and are not intended to cover long term situations with your rent.