What Is a Discretionary Housing Payment?

You may still see the term Discretionary Housing Payment, or DHP, on older letters, websites and advice pages.

The answer now depends on where you live because the system changed in England in April 2026.

What changed in England?

Discretionary Housing Payments ended in England on 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026 they were replaced by the Housing Payment strand of the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The new Housing Payment closely follows the purpose of the previous DHP system during the transition. It is administered by local authorities and is intended to provide additional help with housing costs for eligible households.

What can a Housing Payment potentially help with?

Government guidance allows Housing Payments to be considered for housing-cost shortfalls and, in appropriate cases, costs such as rent deposits, rent in advance, moving or tenancy setup costs and some rent arrears.

An award is discretionary. Receiving Universal Credit or Housing Benefit does not automatically mean a council must make a Housing Payment.

Who can apply?

In England, Housing Payments are linked to people receiving Housing Benefit or a relevant Universal Credit award containing housing costs towards rent.

Councils decide how applications are made and assess each case under their local scheme. Funding is limited, so an application does not guarantee an award.

What if I live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland?

DHPs continue in Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own housing-support arrangements.

This is why an older article simply saying ‘apply for a DHP’ can now be misleading for somebody in England.

What should I do if I have a rent shortfall?

Check that your main housing benefit or Universal Credit housing-cost award is correct, then contact the council about its current additional housing-support scheme.

If arrears are already developing, deal with those at the same time. A temporary payment may help with a short-term problem, but a continuing gap between income and rent may also need benefits, budgeting, debt or housing advice.

7.47: I’m Behind With My Rent

7.38: What Emergency Financial Help Might My Council Provide?

18.19: I’m Worried About Losing My Home or Becoming Homeless, Where Can I Get Help?

Important information

This guide provides general information and is not intended to provide financial, benefits, debt, housing or legal advice. Individual circumstances can be different. Check current information from official sources and seek advice from an appropriately qualified or authorised adviser before making important financial decisions.