Eligibility
You can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) if you:
- get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (with a housing element)
- need extra help with housing costs
DHPs may also help if your benefits have been reduced due to:
- the benefit cap
- under-occupancy rules
- local housing allowance limits
- rent officer restrictions, for example, shared room rate
- non-dependant deductions
- arrears of rent from before your claim
- leaving a job voluntarily
- missing a work-focused interview
Additional considerations for award
DHPs may also help if you are returning to work after a long period of unemployment and are struggling with the transition from benefits to wages.
The level of award may also cover all or part of a shortfall, or assist with the cost of starting or retaining a tenancy.