A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is an extra award of money we can give to you if your housing benefit does not cover the full amount of your rent. DHP is not a benefit payment and the amount and duration of the payment is limited.

You can only ask for a DHP if you are already receiving housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

To help us decide whether you need this extra help we will look at:

  • your income
  • your savings
  • if anyone else in your household can help
  • if you have any loans or debts
  • if you could manage your money better to ease the situation
  • if anyone is ill or disabled in your family
  • if you have tried to put the situation right yourself

We will ask you for a lot of information about your situation in order for us to be satisfied that you need this extra help. 

DHPs will not be paid if:

  • you have service charges not covered by housing benefit
  • you have rent arrears
  • your housing and/or council tax has been suspended
  • you are having an amount deducted from your benefit to recover an overpayment

Contact us: [email protected] or 01925 443210

Apply for a DHP

Discretionary housing payments leaflet and form (240.74 KB)
Under occupancy

If you have been told that you are under occupying your home (i.e. you have a spare bedroom), there are certain situations where we can allow an extra room or award a DHP. If you are unsure of how we work out how many rooms you and your family need, this is explained on the Local housing allowance page.

Payment

If we decide that we can pay you some extra money we will write to you to tell you how much and for how long we can pay it. DHP money is only intended to be a short term measure to give you time to find more affordable accommodation.

If you disagree with our decision, whether we have not given you a DHP, the amount of DHP or the length of time we have awarded the DHP, you can ask us to look at the decision again. You cannot appeal against a DHP decision.

Discretionary housing payments leaflet and form (240.74 KB)
Change in circumstances

If your circumstances change whilst you are receiving a DHP you must tell us straight away, as we may need to look at your DHP again to see if we need to change it.

DHPs are only intended to be a short term help while you find solutions to your financial situation.

9 December 2024