Discretionary Housing Payments: help when rent support is not enough
How to apply for temporary council help when Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover eligible housing costs.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
A Discretionary Housing Payment is a council decision for people receiving Housing Benefit or the housing-cost element of Universal Credit who need further help with housing costs. It is not an automatic benefit and is usually time-limited. Local policies and budgets affect awards.
Explain the exact shortfall, why it arose, the risk if it is not met and the plan beyond the award. Include disability, children, adaptations, care networks, domestic abuse, moving barriers or a benefit restriction where relevant. Apply even if another benefit decision is being challenged.
Check the basic gateway
Confirm that the household receives qualifying housing support and that the amount requested is a housing cost the council can consider. Ask the council for its policy, evidence list and whether help with a deposit, rent in advance or moving costs is possible.
Explain why this home matters
Describe adaptations, school, care, health services, safeguarding, work or the lack of suitable cheaper housing. If moving is proposed, record searches, accessibility needs, deposits and why an immediate move is not realistic.
Use a complete but readable budget
Provide income, essential spending, debts and disability-related costs. Explain unusual items rather than removing them to make the budget look better. State the weekly or monthly housing shortfall and the period requested.
Offer a plan after the award
Councils often look for steps towards sustainability. These might include a benefit challenge, rent negotiation, support into work, housing search or debt advice. Do not promise a move or income increase that is not realistic.
Ask for review after refusal
Request the written reasons and local review process. Correct missing evidence, calculation errors or assumptions about moving. There is no standard tribunal appeal, so prompt internal review and housing advice are important.
Explain a DHP request clearly
Use in the application or review.
My eligible housing support is £[amount] and rent is £[amount], leaving a shortfall of £[amount]. Without help, [risk]. Remaining in this home is currently necessary because [adaptation, care, school, safety or other reason]. I am taking these steps: [realistic plan]. Please consider a DHP from [date] to [date] and provide written reasons and review rights if it is refused.
A practical checklist
- Confirm qualifying housing support.
- State the exact amount and period requested.
- Explain housing, disability and safety consequences.
- Request the council’s review process after refusal.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
gov.uk
Open official informationgov.uk
Open official informationengland.shelter.org.uk
Open official informationgov.uk
Open official informationChoose one next action
You do not need to finish everything today. Find a relevant organisation through National Help, or save the action you want to return to in your Support Plan.
HiddenHelp explains options and helps you organise a next step. It does not decide eligibility, make awards, or replace regulated legal, medical or financial advice.