Discretionary Housing Payment - What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?

A Discretionary Housing Payment is extra help from your local council towards your housing costs. You can only get it if you are entitled to Housing Benefit or the Housing Costs element of Universal Credit.

In England, Discretionary Housing Payments have been replaced by a Housing Payment from the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Visit our Crisis and Resilience Fund guide for more information. 

Discretionary Housing Payments are available in Northern Ireland, but paid at a different rate. Eligibility can be complex so speaking to a housing rights adviser is recommended. For more information, please visit the NI Housing Executive website.

Applies to: Wales and Scotland.

Age rules: There are no age rules that affect Discretionary Housing Payment entitlement. However, you must be old enough to have a legally enforceable liability for rent and you must meet the age rules for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

Taxable: No

Administered by: Your local authority