Anyone claiming housing benefit or help through Universal Credit can apply for a discretionary housing payment (DHP).
You can apply if:
- local housing allowance is lower than rent in private rented property
- housing benefit or Universal Credit is lowered because of non-dependant deductions or housing costs contributions
- housing benefit or Universal Credit is reduced because you are of working age, and you have a spare bedroom in social rented property
- housing benefit or Universal Credit is reduced due to the benefit cap
A DHP can help with:
- rent deposit
- rent in advance for a property you haven't moved into yet (you must receive housing benefit on your current home)
- lump sum for costs like removals
A DHP cannot help with:
- increases in rent due to arrears
- the difference if an overpayment is being recovered from your housing benefit
- certain sanctions or reductions in benefit
For an application form contact us and ask for one to be sent to you. They are also available from your registered social landlord.