Universal-Credit-Guide-for-Private-Landlords - Manual / Resource - Page 21
Discretionary
Housing Payments
Q. What are Discretionary Housing
Payments (DHP)?
DHP’s are payments that can be made by
your local authority to a tenant that is in
receipt of Housing Benefit or the Housing
Element of UC to help with shortfalls in rent,
rent in advance, rent arrears, rent deposit
and other lump sums that are related to a
housing cost.
The tenant must apply for the payment and
each application is assessed based on that
tenants unique circumstances.
The aim of DHP’s is to assist tenants that
require extra financial assistance and need
help with housing costs.
Factors that are considered when assessing
a DHP include whether the person is at risk
of homelessness, whether there is a need
for them to stay in their current property or
whether they would benefit from assistance
to move to a more affordable property. This
list is not exhaustive.
Q. How does my tenant apply for DHP?
They will have to apply online. Visit
www.angliarevenues.gov.uk and look for
“Discretionary Payments”.
Q. If my tenant is awarded DHP, are there
any steps they will have to take in return?
Usually, yes. A DHP is usually awarded
alongside advice and information to help
the tenant move into a situation where they
can afford the shortfall within their own
budget. This can include advice such as
speaking to Citizens Advice regarding any
debt and money management assistance
the assessor sees as appropriate.
Q. Their UC Housing Element or Housing
Benefit is paid direct to me, will their DHP
be paid to me too?
Yes. There may be some circumstances
where this is not appropriate, however, in
most circumstances, the DHP will be paid to
the same person that receives the Housing
Benefit or Housing Element of UC.
Q. How long will a DHP be paid for?
A DHP is usually a short term award,
however it is often paid for the period in
which the assessor believes the applicant
needs to move into a position where they
can afford the rent shortfall within their own
budget, or they move to a more affordable
property.
21 Universal Credit/Information for Landlords
April 2018
Q. My tenants Housing Element hasn’t been
paid yet, can they apply for DHP?
Yes. The application can be provisionally
assessed on the assumption Housing
Element will be awarded. However, DHP will
not be paid until the assessor has evidence
the UC award containing Housing Element
has been granted.
www.gov.uk/universal-credit
DWP service centre 0800 328 5644