Discretionary Housing Payments

To apply for a DHP, you must already be receiving Universal Credit housing element or Housing Benefit. DHPs are specifically designed to fill gaps in housing support, including situations where:

• Your rent exceeds your LHA rate (Local Housing Allowance) and you cannot reduce your rent or move
• The benefit cap has reduced your housing element below your rent amount
• The bedroom tax (under-occupancy charge) has reduced your housing element
• You need financial help to pay a deposit or rent in advance to secure new accommodation
• You have exceptional circumstances causing short-term housing cost difficulties

DHPs are not a permanent solution — they are typically awarded for a fixed period (often 3–12 months) and you may need to reapply. The council will usually ask what you are doing to improve your financial situation or reduce your housing costs over time.

Apply directly to your local council's Housing Benefit or benefits team. Most councils have an online DHP application form. Your application should explain:

• Why your housing costs are not covered by UC or Housing Benefit
• Your monthly income and essential outgoings
• Why you cannot reduce your costs or move to cheaper accommodation
• Any special circumstances — such as disability, caring responsibilities, or children's school placements — that make it especially important for you to stay in your current home
• What steps you are taking to improve your situation

Councils are more likely to award DHPs where there is a clear genuine need and where the applicant is taking reasonable steps toward financial independence. Evidence from a social worker, health professional, or school can strengthen your application.

If your DHP application is refused, you can ask the council to review its decision. Unlike benefit appeals, DHPs cannot be appealed to an independent tribunal — the council has the final say. However, a review request may succeed if:

• You can provide additional evidence the council did not consider
• The council did not follow its own DHP policy
• Your circumstances have changed since the original decision

If you disagree with how the council has administered its DHP scheme, you can complain to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) — though this is about process rather than the merits of your case. Citizens Advice can help you write a review request and explore alternative sources of help if the DHP is not available.

Because DHPs are discretionary and budgets are limited, the quality of your application matters enormously. Councils award DHPs based on a needs assessment rather than a simple eligibility check, and a compelling, well-evidenced application stands a much better chance of success.

Describe your situation in detail: Councils need to understand why the standard housing support does not cover your costs and why you cannot simply resolve the problem yourself. Common compelling circumstances include: a disability or health condition that makes it impossible or very difficult to move to cheaper accommodation; children at a local school who would be severely disrupted by a move; proximity to a support network (family or carers) that provides essential care; a tenancy in an area where no properties are available at LHA rates; or a history of domestic abuse that makes it unsafe to move.

Include supporting letters: Letters from a GP, social worker, health visitor, school, or other professional confirming the specific need to remain in your current home significantly strengthen DHP applications. For example, a GP letter confirming that a move would be medically inadvisable, or a school letter explaining the severe impact on a child with special educational needs — these give the council a concrete reason to prioritise your case.

Show what you are already doing: Councils are more likely to award DHPs to applicants who are actively working to reduce their housing costs or improve their financial situation. If you are looking for cheaper accommodation but cannot find anything within your LHA, document your search efforts. If you are already taking steps to reduce other outgoings, show this in your income and expenditure statement.

Apply at the start of the financial year: DHP budgets are typically allocated annually and can run out before the end of the year. Applications submitted in April or May generally have more chance of success than those submitted in January or February when budgets may be exhausted.

Renewing DHPs: Most DHPs are time-limited. If your circumstances have not changed when the DHP ends, apply for renewal promptly. A renewal application should update the council on your current situation and explain why the underlying housing costs shortfall persists. Providing evidence of any steps taken since the original award (such as continued housing searches) demonstrates ongoing good faith.