Discretionary Housing Payment

Who can apply for DHP?

To receive DHP you must:

• be entitled to Housing Benefit (HB) or Universal Credit (UC) Housing Element
• be responsible for the rent and need extra financial help with housing costs.

 These extra payments are discretionary and do not fall under the normal benefit rules.

What is not covered by DHP?

Service charges that cannot be covered by HB or UC Housing Element, including:

• increases in rent due to outstanding rent arrears
• sanctions and reductions in benefit
• benefit suspensions
• rent, when the applicant is getting Local Council Tax Support but not HB or help with housing costs in UC
• shortfalls caused by HB or UC overpayment recovery
• Council Tax liability or charges