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Housing Support Last updated
UKNeuroGuide · Benefit guide

Discretionary Housing Payment – DHP

Based on official GOV.UK and local council guidance. Discretionary Housing Payments are provided by local councils to help people facing housing cost difficulties.

Discretionary Housing Payment provides extra financial support if your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not fully cover your rent. This support helps prevent housing instability and reduces financial stress.

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Guidance only. Not legal advice. Rules can change — always check official sources.
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Overview

Discretionary Housing Payment helps people facing housing financial difficulties.
It provides additional support when other benefits are not enough.
Many disabled and neurodivergent people qualify for this support.
This support helps maintain housing stability and wellbeing.

Important
Eligibility rules can be complex and can change. Always check official guidance and get advice if you can.

Who it’s for

  • People receiving Housing Benefit.
  • People receiving Universal Credit housing support.
  • Disabled people struggling to pay rent.
  • People with disability-related housing needs.
  • People at risk of losing their home due to financial difficulties.

Eligibility

  • You must receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element.
  • You must need additional help with housing costs.
  • You must apply through your local council.
  • Eligibility depends on your circumstances.
  • Decisions are made by your local council.
Reminder
This page is guidance only — it can’t confirm whether you will be awarded a benefit.

Eligible conditions

Conditions commonly linked to this benefit.

View all conditions
Autism (Autism Spectrum Condition) — UK eligibility guide
Condition

Autism | Symptoms, Diagnosis and Support Guide

Common eligibility
Sensory Processing Difficulties & Sensory Processing Differences — UK eligibility guide
Condition

Sensory Processing Difficulties and Differences | Symptoms, Diagnosis and Support Guide

Possible eligibility

How it works

  • You apply through your local council.
  • Your financial and personal circumstances are reviewed.
  • The council decides whether to provide support.
  • Payments are usually temporary.
  • Payments help cover housing costs.

How to apply

  • Contact your local council.
  • Complete the Discretionary Housing Payment application form.
  • Provide financial information.
  • Explain why you need support.
  • Wait for the council decision.
Ask a question

Evidence to prepare

  • Universal Credit or Housing Benefit information.
  • Rent statements.
  • Financial information.
  • Medical evidence if applicable.
  • Information about your housing situation.

Assessment tips

  • Explain clearly why you need help.
  • Describe how your condition affects your housing needs.
  • Provide accurate financial information.
  • Include supporting evidence.
Tip
Use real examples from daily life — what happens on difficult days, not only on good days.

Common mistakes

  • Not applying due to uncertainty.
  • Providing incomplete information.
  • Not explaining financial difficulties clearly.
  • Assuming automatic approval.

If you’re refused

  • You can request a review.
  • You can provide additional evidence.
  • You can reapply if your circumstances change.
  • Support organisations can help guide you.
Deadlines matter
Challenges and appeals often have strict time limits — get advice as early as possible.

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