Here’s a concise update on discretionary housing payments (DHP) with the latest public guidance.
Direct answer
- DHPs are discretionary awards by local councils to top up housing costs for those already receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit when those payments don’t fully cover rent. The scheme is administered locally, with budgets and award lengths set by each local authority.[4][6]
Key recent points (2025–2026)
- The funding and purpose remain, but many councils have aligned DHP activity with broader Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) programs, including the Household Support Fund, for 2026–27 and 2027–28. Local authorities can pool or layer these funds to support housing costs, prioritizing those at highest risk of eviction or homelessness.[1][3]
- Use and eligibility continue to require that claimants already receive HB or UC housing costs; DHP is not an entitlement and decisions are budget-dependent. Some authorities may also consider one-off or short-term awards for moving costs or rent deposits where circumstances warrant.[2][4]
Practical guidance
- How to apply: Contact your local council’s housing benefits or welfare rights team. If you’re already receiving HB or UC housing costs, you can apply for additional help via the council’s DHP application route (which may be integrated with CRF or hardship funds). Be ready to demonstrate ongoing financial hardship and housing risk, plus evidence of income, rent, and other expenses.[1][2]
- What funds cover: A DHP can cover rent shortfalls, rent deposits, rent in advance, or other housing-related costs as determined by the council. Awards can vary in amount and duration, reflecting local priorities and budget constraints.[6][4]
Illustration
- Example: A council with a fixed DHP budget might grant a 3-month top-up to cover a rent shortfall for a household at imminent risk of eviction, while also directing them to longer-term CRF-based supports where applicable. This demonstrates the discretionary nature of DHPs and the role of local priorities.[4][1]
Citations
- Discretionary Housing Payments overview and local administration details.[1]
- 2026 updates framing DHP within CRF context and local budgeting practices.[3]
- Eligibility and non-entitlement status; how awards are decided and potential one-offs.[2][4]
- Funding and usage guidance from the official statistics and manuals.[6][4]
If you’d like, I can tailor this to your area in Los Angeles (note: DHPs described above pertain to the UK system; if you’re asking about the US, I can provide equivalent programs in California and local city resources).
Sources
A discretionary housing payment is not a guaranteed benefit; councils award it based on discretion and available funds. A DHP payment helps cover rent shortfalls, emergency housing costs, and temporary financial gaps. You must already receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element) to qualify. Local councils prioritise applicants with the highest financial need and risk of homelessness. … You can apply for a discretionary housing payment if you already receive financial support...
www.caresyncexperts.co.ukDiscretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. Local authorities (LAs) have broad discretion to spend in line with their local priorities. This includes deciding how much will be paid and the length of the award. A DHP can be awarded to cover a rent shortfall, a rent deposit, rent in advance, or other costs associated with moving.
www.gov.ukDiscretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. Funding is allocated to lower tier and unitary local authorities (LAs) and they have broad discretion to spend in line with their local priorities. This includes deciding how much will be paid and the length of the award. A DHP can be awarded to cover a rent shortfall, a rent deposit, rent in advance, or other...
www.gov.ukintegrating Discretionary Housing Payments within CRF. This means for the financial years 2026/27 and 2027/28 the allocation of DHPs will be maintained at the 2025/26 level. 3.11 Further details will be presented to the Board once the DWP issues definitive
councillors.halton.gov.ukLocal authorities can award a discretionary housing payment (DHP) to claimants if existing benefits such as housing benefit or universal credit do not cover housing costs. Find out who is eligible, what a DHP can cover, and how to apply.
england.shelter.org.ukRead our archive of news items
www.arun.gov.uk