Apply for benefits and financial support

Discretionary Housing Payment is for people that get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but still find it hard to pay their rent.

How to qualify

You may be entitled to a Discretionary Housing Payment if you receive Housing Benefit or Housing Costs within Universal Credit and any of the following apply:

• you have an extra bedroom and are affected by the bedroom tax (Social Sector Size Criteria)
• your benefits are restricted due to the Benefit Cap
• there is a non-dependant in the house
• the income of the household is low
• there are Local Housing Allowance restrictions
• your Housing Benefit has been restricted

How to apply

You'll need to provide:

• the reason you need extra help with your rent
• evidence to support your need for extra help
• proof of what you spend each week and any debts
• your signature

Apply for Discretionary Housing Payment

You can also call 030 33 33 3006 or visit a customer service centre to apply.

After you apply

The amount of the award you are entitled to and how long you get it for will depend on your circumstances.

Full details will be issued to you once the decision has been made. This will include reasons for the decision and who any payments will be made to.

If you do not qualify

If you do not qualify, we'll tell you why. You can ask for a review if you do not agree with our decision. We'll send you a letter which explains how to ask us to review your case. We usually review cases within 5 working days.