Benefits and grants for council tenants

Discretionary housing payments (DHP)

If your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs doesn't cover all of your rent and you are having difficulty paying the shortfall, you may be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to help.

Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment online

What you can use a DHP for?

A DHP can help, for example if you

  • are seeking more affordable accommodation and require assistance with a deposit, rent in advance or removal costs
  • are affected by the introduction of the benefit cap and are seeking employment
  • have been affected by previous Housing Benefit changes such as the extension of the Local Housing Allowance shared room rate to under 35s
  • have higher living costs because you are sick or disabled.

Download the DHP fact sheet and policy