Does your housing benefit or Universal Credit fall short of your rent? A Discretionary Housing Payment, a DHP, from your local council may fill the gap. Here
On this page
Does your housing benefit or Universal Credit fall short of your rent? A Discretionary Housing Payment, a DHP, from your local council may fill the gap. Here is what one is, who can apply, and what to do when the council says no.
What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?
A DHP is council money that tops up your rent when housing benefit or the Universal Credit housing element falls short. Each council gets a DHP budget yearly and decides who receives it.
A DHP is not a legal right. The council chooses whether to pay, and how much. But a policy must guide those choices, and the policy must run fair and reasonable.
Who can apply for a DHP?
You can apply if:
- You get Universal Credit with a housing costs element, or
- You get Housing Benefit, and
- Your benefit is less than your rent
People often apply because of:
- A gap between the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate and the real rent
- The bedroom tax, the spare room subsidy, cutting their benefit
- The benefit cap cutting their housing support
- Benefit lost while an appeal waits
Can a DHP cover other housing costs?
Sometimes, yes. A DHP can sometimes help with:
- A deposit or rent in advance for a new home
- Moving costs if you need a cheaper home
Ask your council what they will consider.
How do I apply?
Each council has its own form and process. The form is usually on your council's website, or you can ask at the housing benefit office.
When you apply, it helps to:
- Explain your situation plainly: why the shortfall exists, what you did to cut costs, and what it is doing to you and your family
- Send evidence: bank statements, landlord letters, medical evidence where it applies
- Name any vulnerability: a health condition, a disability, or caring for someone all count
What if the council says no?
Refused, or given less than you asked? Ask the council to look again. No tribunal appeal exists for a DHP. The review happens inside the council, but it must run fairly.
Think the council broke its own policy, or treated you unfairly? Use the complaints process. After that, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman waits.
Is a DHP a long-term fix?
No. A DHP is short-term help while something longer-term gets sorted: a cheaper home, or a benefit row settled. Most councils will not pay one forever.
Rent always beyond reach? Get advice on your options. That could mean checking whether social housing fits, hunting a cheaper home nearby, or checking the benefit sums were done right.
Does a rent shortfall affect my disrepair rights?
No. The landlord must keep your home in repair whatever your benefits look like, and even where rent runs behind. A shortfall never excuses skipping legally required repairs.
When should I contact Support for Tenants?
We help tenants in privately rented homes with disrepair claims. Disrepair sitting unfixed? Call us, whatever your benefit situation.
Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.
Sources
Related articles
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only, not a promise; every case is different.
Related guides
Can I withhold rent if my landlord won't do repairs?
Thinking of stopping your rent until repairs are done? It is risky and can get you evicted for arrears. Here is the safer way to force repairs, and your rights.
Read
Help with rent arrears and housing benefit
Behind on rent, or struggling with Universal Credit housing costs? You have options, and free help. Here is what to do first and who to call before things get worse.
Read
Will a disrepair payout affect my Universal Credit or benefits?
Worried compensation could cut your Universal Credit? Savings under £6,000 are ignored, and money for a health problem is protected for 12 months. Here is how it works.
Read
Still stuck?
Call us free or start a claim online. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.