Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are extra payments made by the local authority to assist with your rent if your Universal Credit (housing element) or Housing Benefit does not cover the full cost. 

This is a government-funded scheme and can help when you are:

• subject to size criteria (under occupied)
• subject to the Benefit Cap
• in need of short-term assistance as you are in financial hardship

It can also help with rent deposits and rent in advance to help you secure your home.

The Scottish Government funds DHPs to ensure those who are subject to size criteria and/or the Benefit Cap receive a DHP to cover this shortfall.

For hardship cases, DHP funding is limited and is only intended for short-term assistance. It does not provide a long-term solution for financial hardship.

DHP policy

Further information can be found on the Discretionary Housing Payment Policy.

How to apply for DHP

You can apply using our online form.

Timescale for processing DHP applications

We aim to decide 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 second class post.