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Benefits not covering the rent? Your council can top it up.

Last verified 6 Jun 2026 · Source GOV.UK Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment (updated 23 Jan 2026) · Publisher: SortedUK Ltd (filed 5 Jun 2026)

A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is extra money from your council when Housing Benefit or your Universal Credit housing element doesn't cover the rent. It can pay a rent shortfall, a deposit, or rent in advance if you need to move — and it's specifically there for people hit by the benefit cap, the bedroom tax, or LHA rates below local rents. Councils hold a budget for this. If you don't ask, you don't get.

ShortfallsGap between benefit + rent
Deposits+ rent in advance to move
Your councilDecides amount + length
England + WalesScotland/NI run their own
How to apply Other tenant rights

Who can apply

You can apply for a DHP if you currently get either:

  • Housing Benefit, or
  • the housing element of Universal Credit — and you need more help with housing costs.

DHPs are commonly awarded to people affected by:

  • The benefit cap reducing your housing support.
  • The removal of the spare room subsidy ("bedroom tax") in social housing.
  • Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates that don't stretch to local rents.

What it covers — and what it can't

Can cover

  • A rent shortfall — the gap between your benefit and your actual rent.
  • Rent deposits.
  • Rent in advance if you need to move home.

Cannot cover

  • Council tax — even if you get Local Council Tax Support. For that, apply for Council Tax Reduction separately (plus a Section 13A discretionary reduction in hardship).

How to apply

Claim it now — free

Have ready: your rent, your Housing Benefit / UC housing element, the monthly gap, and an honest budget of income and outgoings — you apply through your own council's DHP form.

  1. Find your council's DHP form — search "[your council] Discretionary Housing Payment" or find your council via GOV.UK. Each council runs its own process.
  2. Show the shortfall clearly — your rent, your Housing Benefit / UC housing element, and the gap per month.
  3. Explain your circumstances — disability, children settled in school, caring responsibilities, risk of eviction or homelessness, why moving somewhere cheaper isn't realistic right now.
  4. Include income and outgoings — an honest budget helps the council see the pressure.

The council decides whether to pay, how much, and for how long — awards are often time-limited (for example a few months) to bridge you to a more stable position, and you can reapply.

If you're refused There's no formal tribunal appeal for DHPs because they're discretionary — but you can ask the council to look again, and a fresh application with new or stronger evidence is always allowed. Citizens Advice can help you strengthen it.

If you're at risk of losing your home

Act now — don't wait for an eviction notice If arrears are building or a section 21/section 8 notice has landed, get free expert help today: Shelter 0808 800 4444 and Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848. Councils also have a legal homelessness prevention duty — you can ask for help before you're homeless, and a DHP is one of the tools they can use to keep you housed.

Free UK support

  • GOV.UK Applying for a DHP — the official guidance.
  • Shelter — 0808 800 4444. Housing advice + eviction help.
  • Citizens Advice — 0800 144 8848. Help applying + a full benefits check.
  • StepChange — 0800 138 1111. Free debt advice if arrears are building.
  • Scotland: apply via mygov.scot. NI: via the Housing Executive (NIHE).

Discretionary Housing Payment — common questions

What is a DHP?

Extra money from your council when Housing Benefit or your UC housing element doesn't cover the rent — for shortfalls, deposits and rent in advance. Discretionary: the council decides whether, how much, and how long. England + Wales; Scotland and NI have their own versions.

Who can get one?

Anyone currently on Housing Benefit or the UC housing element who needs more help — especially people hit by the benefit cap, the bedroom tax, or LHA rates below local rents.

What can it cover?

Rent shortfalls, rent deposits, and rent in advance for a move. It cannot cover council tax — apply for Council Tax Reduction separately.

How do I apply?

Through your council's own form. Show the exact shortfall, your budget, and the circumstances that make moving or managing impossible right now. If refused, ask for a review or reapply with stronger evidence.

What if it's refused or not enough?

Run a full benefits check, apply for Council Tax Reduction, ask about the council's crisis support, and if your home is at risk call Shelter 0808 800 4444 — councils have a homelessness prevention duty before you're evicted.

Sources Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment · GOV.UK / DWP (updated 23 Jan 2026 — eligibility, covered costs, council-tax exclusion, apply via your council). Scotland · mygov.scot Discretionary Housing Payment. NI · NIHE. Free help: Shelter 0808 800 4444 · Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848 · StepChange 0800 138 1111. Last reviewed: 6 June 2026.
Your safest next step today

Rent shortfall building? Apply for a DHP this week.

Councils hold a budget for exactly this — shortfalls, deposits, rent in advance. Show the gap, explain the circumstances, and ask. If your home is at risk, Shelter (0808 800 4444) is free today.

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