Discretionary Housing Payments (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)

Description

Extra, discretionary help towards housing costs for renters already getting Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element — used for shortfalls caused by the bedroom tax or benefit cap, for rent that exceeds the Local Housing Allowance, and for one-off costs like a tenancy deposit, rent in advance, or removal expenses. There is no fixed amount: each award is judged case by case against your circumstances and the administering body's budget, and payments are usually time-limited. In England the statutory scheme was abolished on 1 April 2026 and absorbed into the Crisis and Resilience Fund's Housing Payment strand, so English applicants should look for that instead (often still signposted locally under the old DHP name).

Eligibility summary

• Available in: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.
• Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
• Relevant income bands: earning under the Personal Allowance.

Notes

England: the Discretionary Financial Assistance Regulations 2001 and the Discretionary Housing Payments (Grants) Order 2001 were revoked for England by SI 2026/271 with effect from 1 April 2026, and DHPs were incorporated into the Crisis and Resilience Fund — whose Housing Payment strand is designed to 'closely replicate existing DHP guidelines' over a phased 3-year transition. See this directory's council-level Crisis and Resilience Fund entries for the English route. Wales: DHPs continue, and the 2026 regulations removed the cap on what Welsh authorities may spend. Scotland: devolved since April 2017 and administered by all 32 councils. Northern Ireland: administered by the Housing Executive rather than councils, with separate application forms depending on whether you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

Requirement

Renting your home and already receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, with a shortfall between that support and your actual housing costs.