What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are extra help from Highland Council for people on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit whose payments do not fully cover rent. DHPs can also help with rent in advance, deposits, or moving costs. You must be receiving housing support to apply, and awards are not guaranteed.
If your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover your full rent, you may be eligible for DHP.
DHP can help with:
- rent shortfalls
- rent in advance
- deposits
- removal costs
Discretionary Housing Payment awards are temporary and based on your individual needs. The minimum award period is one week.
You will be told how long your award period will last. You can ask for your award to be backdated.