A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is extra financial help from your local council if you need support with rent or housing costs. It can top up Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. This guide explains everything you need to know for 2025/2026 in plain English.
It covers:
- who can get a DHP
- how to apply
- what costs it can cover
- how long payments last
- common reasons people are refused
- how to challenge a decision
- tips to increase your chances
- other help if you struggle with rent
DHPs are different from other benefits because they are discretionary. This means the council decides who gets one, how much is awarded, and for how long.
What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?
A Discretionary Housing Payment is extra money your council can give you if:
- your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing payment does not cover all your rent, or
- you need support with another housing-related cost
The award is not automatic. You must apply, explain your situation, and show why you need help. Councils have limited DHP budgets each year, so decisions are based on need and priorities.
A DHP is not a loan. You do not need to repay it.
DHPs are separate from:
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Hardship funds
- Cost of living payments
Who can get a Discretionary Housing Payment?
You can only get a DHP if you already receive:
- Housing Benefit, or
- the housing element of Universal Credit
If you get Universal Credit but do not receive the housing element, you cannot get a DHP. If you receive Housing Benefit and Universal Credit at the same time, your council will look at the part that covers rent.
You may be able to get a DHP if you:
- have a shortfall between your rent and your Housing Benefit or UC housing payment
- are affected by the Bedroom Tax (spare room deduction)
- are affected by the Benefit Cap
- have lost some housing support due to the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rules
- face rent arrears and risk eviction
- need to move to cheaper accommodation but need help with moving costs
- have a disability and need extra space or adaptations
- flee domestic abuse and need to move urgently
- are in temporary accommodation
Your immigration status can affect your eligibility. People with “no recourse to public funds” cannot get DHPs.
Who cannot get a Discretionary Housing Payment?
You usually cannot get a DHP for:
- service charges that are not eligible for Housing Benefit or UC
- water bills, electricity, food, or other household costs
- a home you have not moved into yet (unless the council agrees you have a good reason)
- rent you owe from a previous tenancy (unless linked to an unavoidable emergency)
- your Council Tax bill
You also cannot get a DHP if you are only claiming:
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- State Pension
You must already have Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing support to qualify.
What costs can a DHP cover?
A DHP can cover many different housing-related costs, depending on your circumstances. These include:
Rent shortfalls
- the gap between your rent and Housing Benefit
- the gap between your rent and your UC housing element
- shortfalls caused by the Benefit Cap
- shortfalls caused by the Bedroom Tax
- shortfalls caused by Local Housing Allowance rates
Rent arrears
Some councils will award DHPs to help clear rent arrears. This is more likely if:
- the arrears were caused by a temporary crisis
- you now have a stable plan for future rent payments
- you are at risk of eviction
- your landlord is working with the council
Moving costs
A DHP can help with:
- rent deposits
- first month’s rent
- rent in advance
- removal costs
This is helpful if you need to move to a smaller or more affordable property or escape unsafe housing.
Help to stay in your home
Many DHPs support people who:
- need an extra bedroom due to disability
- have medical needs that require more space
- live in adapted housing and cannot easily move
- are experiencing domestic abuse
- need short-term help until their income improves
How to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment
You apply through your local council. Each council has its own application form and process. Many allow online applications.
To find your council:
When you apply, you will need to give:
- your name, address and contact details
- your National Insurance number
- details about your rent and tenancy
- proof of rent (tenancy agreement or rent statement)
- your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit award
- details about your income and expenses
- information about debts or arrears
- information about your household
- evidence of why you need help
The more information you provide, the better the council can understand your situation.
What to include in your application
Your explanation is important. This is where people are often refused. Councils want to understand why you cannot afford the rent and what will change in future.
Explain:
- why you have a shortfall
- any recent changes (job loss, illness, relationship breakdown, domestic abuse, bereavement)
- how not receiving help will affect you (risk of eviction, homelessness, safeguarding concerns)
- any medical issues, disabilities or caring responsibilities
- why you cannot move to a cheaper property
- what steps you are taking to improve your situation
Attach evidence where possible:
- letters from doctors or support workers
- proof of disability
- letters from employers
- court letters or eviction notices
- bank statements
- your tenant ledger
Clear evidence increases your chance of success.
How long do DHPs last?
DHPs are usually temporary. Councils want to help you manage the situation in the short term while you work on a long-term solution.
Common award periods include:
- 13 weeks
- 26 weeks
- 52 weeks
In urgent cases (such as domestic abuse or homelessness risk), awards may be short, such as 4–8 weeks.
You can apply again if your DHP ends but you still need help. Many people receive more than one award per year.
How much will I get?
The amount depends entirely on your local council. There is no national rate.
A DHP can:
- cover the full shortfall between your rent and benefit
- cover part of the shortfall
- cover a one-off cost like a deposit or rent in advance
- pay off some or all of your rent arrears (if reasonable)
Councils decide based on:
- your income and expenses
- your savings
- your household needs
- your vulnerability
- your ability to manage future rent
- their DHP budget
How long does a DHP application take?
Most councils aim to decide DHP applications within:
- 2 to 6 weeks
If you are at risk of eviction or have urgent needs, decisions may be made faster.
The council may contact you for extra information. Respond quickly to avoid delays.
Common reasons DHP applications are refused
If you are refused, it does not always mean you were not eligible. Councils refuse applications for many reasons.
Top refusal reasons
- you did not give enough information or evidence
- your spending was not explained or seemed too high
- the council believes your financial situation is long-term without a plan
- you did not show why you cannot move to cheaper housing
- the council thinks you can reduce your costs
- the council’s DHP budget is low
- you applied for costs that a DHP cannot cover
If you think your refusal was unfair, you can ask the council to look at the decision again.
How to challenge a DHP decision
There is no formal appeal process through a tribunal. But you can:
- ask the council to review their decision, and
- submit extra information or evidence
Many councils overturn decisions when they get clearer explanations.
How to request a review
Write to your council and explain:
- why you think the decision is wrong
- any evidence you forgot to include
- how the decision puts you at risk (for example homelessness)
- any new information
Ask for a written response explaining their final decision.
Tips to increase your chances of being awarded a DHP
Use the following tips to strengthen your application:
1. Provide clear financial information
Councils want to see a full picture of your situation. List all income and expenses honestly. Highlight essential costs like:
- food
- heating
- medical costs
- travel to work
- care responsibilities
2. Explain why your situation is temporary or exceptional
Councils prefer to award DHPs where help can make a real difference.
3. Provide evidence
The more evidence you give, the stronger your case:
- medical letters
- support worker or social worker letters
- police or domestic abuse support letters
- rent statements
- eviction notices
4. Show you are taking action
Explain any steps you are taking such as:
- looking for cheaper housing
- applying for jobs
- budgeting
- seeking debt advice
What happens if your DHP stops?
If your award comes to an end, the council will write to tell you.
You can:
- apply again if your situation has not improved
- apply again if you face new hardship
- ask for advice from a support agency
Many people apply more than once per year.
If your rent is too high
Your council may suggest:
- moving to cheaper housing
- looking at shared accommodation rules if you are under 35
- negotiating with your landlord
- checking Local Housing Allowance rates
You can check housing allowance rates here:
Other help with rent and housing costs
If you are struggling, you may be able to get extra help from other sources.
Universal Credit housing element
Housing Benefit
Local Council Tax Reduction
Most councils offer help with Council Tax.
Homelessness support
If you are at risk of losing your home, your council must assess your situation.
Debt advice and budgeting support
Discretionary funds and hardship support
Your council may offer:
- welfare assistance
- crisis grants
- food and essentials support
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a DHP if I am working?
Yes. You can get a DHP if you are working, as long as you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and need extra help.
Can I get a DHP if I rent from a private landlord?
Yes. DHPs apply to private renters, social housing tenants, temporary accommodation residents and supported housing tenants.
Can I get a DHP if my partner works?
Possibly. The council will look at your household income and expenses. Working does not automatically stop you from getting a DHP.
Will a DHP affect my other benefits?
No. DHPs do not affect your benefit entitlement.
Is there a limit to how many DHPs I can get?
No. You can apply as often as you need, but each award is temporary and depends on the council’s budget.
Can I get a DHP if I have rent arrears?
Yes, many councils use DHPs to help clear arrears, especially if you face eviction. You will need to show why the arrears happened and how you will prevent them in future.
Can I get a DHP for a deposit?
Yes, many councils offer DHPs for:
- deposits
- rent in advance
- removal costs
This can help you move to safer or more affordable accommodation.
Can I get a DHP to cover the Bedroom Tax?
Yes. Many Bedroom Tax households receive DHPs, especially if they cannot move due to disability, adaptations, caring needs or lack of available properties.
Key steps to take now
- Check you receive Housing Benefit or UC housing support.
- Gather evidence such as rent statements, bank statements and medical letters.
- Explain clearly why you need help and what would happen without it.
- Apply early through your local council.
- Ask for a review if you think the decision is wrong.
- Seek advice if you are at risk of eviction.
You can find your local council here:
If you are unsure about your rights or need help completing your application, contact:
A Discretionary Housing Payment can help you stay in your home, reduce stress and avoid homelessness. If you are struggling with rent, apply as soon as possible.