What is a Discretionary Housing Payment and who can get one?

Full answer

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are additional payments that local councils in the UK can make to help residents who are already receiving Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit, but who need further support with rent or housing costs because of a shortfall. **Common reasons people apply for a DHP** - The "bedroom tax" (Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy) reduces their Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element because they are deemed to have one or more spare bedrooms - The benefit cap limits their total benefit income below what they would otherwise be entitled to - Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates do not cover their full actual rent, leaving a shortfall - They need help with a rent deposit or rent in advance to secure a new tenancy - They are at risk of losing their home and need temporary bridging support while other help (such as a Universal Credit advance or debt solution) is arranged **It is discretionary, not automatic** Unlike Housing Benefit or Universal Credit itself, there is no legal entitlement to a DHP -- each council has a fixed annual budget allocated by central government (topped up in some cases by the council's own funds) and decides applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the applicant's specific circumstances, vulnerability, and how much budget remains for the year. **How much can you get?** There is no fixed amount -- councils decide based on the size of the shortfall and the household's circumstances, and the payment can be a one-off lump sum or a series of payments over a set period (commonly a few months, sometimes renewable). **Worked example** A single mother receiving Universal Credit is affected by the bedroom tax because her two children (of different sexes, both under 10) are deemed to be able to share a room, reducing her housing element by 14%. She applies for a DHP explaining she needs the extra room temporarily while she looks for suitable smaller accommodation; the council awards a DHP covering the shortfall for three months while she searches. **How to apply** Applications are made directly to your local council (not the DWP), usually via an online form or paper application, and you will typically need to explain your financial circumstances and why you need the extra help. Because council budgets are limited and often run out before the end of the financial year, applying as early as possible in the year can improve your chances.

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