Discretionary payments

What is Discretionary Housing Payment?

If you are in receipt of Local Council Tax Support, DHPs cannot be awarded to pay your Council Tax shortfall.

DHP’s can be awarded to top up Housing Benefit or the Housing element of Universal Credit , but the total amount we pay cannot be more than the amount of rent you have to pay each week or month.

The amount of the DHP award depends on your individual circumstances, and you must demonstrate that you are suffering from financial hardship due to the shortfall in your Housing Benefit.  The award is intended as a short-term measure to help in difficult circumstances and you should not rely on a DHP as a long term solution to your financial problems.

Once you have made an application for a DHP you may be contacted if any additional information is required to complete your application.

The funding for DHPs comes from central government and is limited each year, so when it has been spent no more awards can be made.

How do I apply for a DHP?

Alternatively you can download the Discretionary Housing Payments Claim form the 'Downloads' section on this page.