Discretionary Housing Payment Calculator 2025/26
Assess your eligibility for a DHP to bridge a rent shortfall from Housing Benefit or Universal Credit
Last updated: March 2026 | Author: Mustafa Bilgic
Disclaimer: DHPs are entirely at your council's discretion. This tool provides a scoring assessment based on common eligibility factors — it does not guarantee a DHP will be awarded. Results should not be used as a formal eligibility assessment. Source: gov.uk/discretionary-housing-payments
DHP Eligibility Assessment
Enter rent and benefit above
How to Apply for a DHP
- Contact your local council's housing benefit team (find via Gov.uk)
- Request a DHP application form or apply online
- Provide your HB or UC reference, rent details, and shortfall
- Include a statement of income and expenditure
- Attach supporting evidence (disability, children, employment, health conditions)
- If refused, request a review — decisions can be challenged
Typical DHP duration: 3–6 months initially, renewable on re-application. Some councils award longer periods for disabled tenants with home adaptations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Discretionary Housing Payment? +
A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is extra money paid by your local council to help with housing costs not covered by Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element. It is not a legal entitlement — councils have a fixed budget and award DHPs at their discretion.
Who can apply for a DHP? +
You can apply for a DHP if you are receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and you have a shortfall between your benefit and your rent. You must be the tenant (not a homeowner) and the shortfall must be for eligible rent costs.
How much DHP can I get? +
DHP can cover up to the full shortfall between your housing benefit and your actual rent. However, councils operate within a fixed budget and the amount and duration are entirely at their discretion. DHPs are usually awarded for a fixed period, typically 3–6 months initially.
What is the bedroom tax shortfall? +
The bedroom tax (officially 'under-occupancy charge') reduces Housing Benefit or UC housing element if your social housing property is deemed to have more bedrooms than you need: 14% reduction for one spare bedroom, 25% for two or more spare bedrooms. DHP is commonly awarded to cover this shortfall.
What is an LHA gap? +
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is the maximum rent used to calculate Housing Benefit or UC housing element for private renters. If your actual rent exceeds the LHA rate, there is a gap. DHP can help bridge this gap while you find cheaper accommodation or your circumstances change.
How long does a DHP last? +
DHPs are typically awarded for 3–6 months initially. You can apply for a renewal, but there is no guarantee. Some councils award longer-term DHPs in exceptional circumstances, particularly for disabled tenants who have had home adaptations made to their property.
How do I apply for a DHP? +
Apply directly to your local council's housing benefit department. Most councils have an online form. You will need to provide your Housing Benefit or UC reference number, details of your rent and shortfall, a statement of income and expenditure, and supporting evidence for your circumstances.
What evidence do I need for a DHP application? +
Useful evidence includes: tenancy agreement, recent rent statements, bank statements, evidence of disability or health conditions (GP letter, benefit award letters), letters about financial difficulty, evidence of employment or job seeking, and a written statement explaining why you need the DHP.
Can I get DHP for moving costs? +
Yes. Many councils award DHPs as a one-off payment to cover moving costs if you are moving to more affordable accommodation. This can include removal costs, deposit or rent in advance. This is separate from ongoing rent shortfall DHPs.
Does the benefit cap affect DHP eligibility? +
Yes. If the benefit cap has reduced your housing element or Housing Benefit, this is a recognised reason to apply for a DHP. Councils often prioritise benefit-capped families, especially those with children, for DHP awards.
What happens if my DHP runs out? +
You can reapply for a DHP when your current award is about to expire. You should use the DHP period to address the underlying shortfall — for example, by finding cheaper accommodation, reducing costs, or increasing income. Your council may also refer you to other support services.
Is DHP counted as income? +
No. A Discretionary Housing Payment is not counted as income for the purpose of calculating benefits. It does not affect your Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Tax Credits, or any other means-tested benefits.