What is Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is an extra payment paid by the local council to help people who are claiming housing benefit who are struggling to pay their rent.

If your housing benefit or housing costs (part of Universal Credit) does not cover your full rent, a DHP may help cover that shortfall.

You may be awarded a DHP if you’re affected by:

• The bedroom tax
• The benefit cap
• The local housing allowance (LHA) cap
• Or if your Universal Credit payments include help with housing costs (rent)
  
  

How much will be paid?

Payments vary. You may get enough to meet the rent shortfall or just some of it. DHPs can be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly or in a lump sum. You don’t have to repay a DHP.

Visit your Local Councils website to apply for Discretionary Housing Payment:

• Warrington Borough Council
• St Helens Council
• Liverpool Council

If you are not sure of which council you are under, or with a Liverpool devolved councils (Knowsley, Sefton, Wirral, Liverpool) – to find your council visit: www.gov.uk/find-local-council.