Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

The Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) Scheme is a government scheme administered by local authorities to provide people in financial hardship with assistance to meet housing costs.

To qualify for a DHP you must be in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, and there must be a shortfall between the amount of Housing Benefit/Universal credit you are receiving and the amount of rent you have to pay.

DHP funding to local authorities is limited and therefore the scheme is intended to provide only short-term assistance with housing costs and cannot provide a long-term solution for those facing financial hardship.

For more information see the Discretionary Housing Payment Policy.

We will aim to make a decision on your application within 10 working days of receiving all information in support of your application.

DHP Payment dates

Please note that cheques are sent by 2nd class post.