If you are a tenant in Wales struggling to pay rent, a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) can provide short-term help on top of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. Councils award DHPs using local rules and limited budgets, so knowing what evidence to provide, which forms to use and how decisions are made can increase your chance of support. This guide explains who can apply, what councils consider, the official forms and practical steps to submit an application, plus where to get Welsh and UK official help if you need it.
What are Discretionary Housing Payments?
Discretionary Housing Payments are extra payments made by local authorities to help with housing costs when existing benefits do not fully cover rent. Councils decide awards case-by-case and may set limits on length and amount. Local authority guidance and DWP guidance explain the purpose and usual process for awards[1].
Who can apply and what councils consider
Generally you can apply if you already receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and need short-term help with rent. Councils look at household income, savings, disability-related costs, reason for shortfall and whether there are other options to reduce housing costs.
- You receive a housing payment (Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit).
- You can show evidence of rent arrears, bank statements or a tenancy agreement.
- You have additional unavoidable costs such as disability adaptations or high childcare costs.
- Your current tenancy would be at risk of eviction without short-term help.
Official forms and where to find them
There is no single UK-wide DHP application form: most councils use their own council DHP application form or an online application on the council website. If you cannot find a local form, contact your council housing or benefits team to request the correct DHP application.
- Local authority Discretionary Housing Payment application (form number: varies by council) — used to apply for a DHP from your council; example: you complete the council form and attach proof of income and rent.
- Housing Benefit claim form (form number: varies by council) — used when you are not yet claiming Housing Benefit; example: claim Housing Benefit first, then ask the council for a DHP application.
- Universal Credit online claim (no paper form number) — if you receive the housing element of Universal Credit, keep your online correspondence as evidence for a DHP application.
Check your local council website for the exact DHP application form and guidance, or contact the benefits office directly for the correct document and submission method.[1]
How councils decide and typical outcomes
Councils usually assess: the shortfall between benefit and rent, household income and expenditure, whether the shortfall is temporary, and whether alternative housing options exist. Decisions often specify amount and length (for example, a few weeks or months) and may be backdated in limited circumstances.
- Decisions normally state a start and end date for the award and any instalment plan.
- Awards are intended as short-term help rather than long-term rent top-ups.
- Councils may ask for regular updates or additional evidence during the award period.
Decisions, reviews and formal challenges
DHPs are discretionary payments made by the council. There is no direct statutory appeal to a benefits tribunal solely for a DHP decision, but you can ask the council for an internal review or complaint if you believe the decision was unfair. For disputes about underlying benefit decisions (Housing Benefit or Universal Credit), the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber and Social Security and Child Support tribunals) handles certain housing and benefit appeals; check the appropriate tribunal pages for procedure[2].
Practical examples
- A tenant who loses hours at work and faces a short-term rent shortfall can apply for a DHP while seeking additional work or benefit changes.
- A household waiting for a benefit increase because of a disability may get a short award to prevent eviction.
FAQ
- Who can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment?
- If you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and have a shortfall in rent, you can apply to your local council for a DHP; councils assess each case individually.
- How long will a DHP last?
- Length varies by council and case: some awards cover a few weeks, others several months; the council decision letter will state the award period.
- Can I challenge a DHP decision?
- Yes: ask the council for a review or use the council complaints process; for appeals about underlying benefit decisions you may need to use tribunal routes where relevant.
How-To
- Confirm you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and note your tenancy and rent details.
- Gather evidence: tenancy agreement, rent statements, bank statements and details of unavoidable costs or changes in income.
- Obtain the council's DHP application form from the local council website or by calling the benefits office and complete it with full information.
- Submit the form and evidence to the council promptly and note any deadline or decision timescale; ask for a receipt or reference.
- Follow up if you do not receive a decision within a reasonable time and ask how to request a review if your application is refused.
Key Takeaways
- Discretionary Housing Payments are short-term, council-run payments to top up housing costs.
- Use your local council's DHP form and include clear, dated evidence of income, rent and costs.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Discretionary housing payments - GOV.UK
- [2] Housing - GOV.WALES
- [3] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
