Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) provide short-term financial help with rent or housing costs.
You can apply for DHP if:
- you already receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs.
- you’re struggling to pay rent despite this support
Use the online form below to apply for DHP.
Each application is considered individually. You will need to provide detailed information about your financial situation.
DHPs are usually for short periods. You will receive details about payment duration and method in your decision letter.
What you need to apply
You will need to provide proof to support your claim. This may include:
- your Universal Credit letter
- proof of rent that you owe (including repayment plans and arrears)
- evidence of seeking cheaper accommodation (such as landlord letters or property bids)
- letters from debt advice agencies
- your last three months of bank statements
- job application or interview letters
- proof of income for non-dependants
- details of your household spending
We may ask for additional documents, such as medical proof or loan statements.
If you disagree with our decision
You can request a reconsideration within one month of the decision letter.
You can challenge:
- our refusal to pay DHP
- the amount of DHP that was awarded to you
- how long the DHP payments last
There is no right to appeal to an independent tribunal with DHP.
For more information about the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme, download the document below.