Latest News About Discretionary Housing Payment

Here’s a concise update on discretionary housing payments (DHP) with the latest public guidance.

Direct answer

• DHPs are discretionary awards by local councils to top up housing costs for those already receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit when those payments don’t fully cover rent. The scheme is administered locally, with budgets and award lengths set by each local authority.[4][6]

Key recent points (2025–2026)

• The funding and purpose remain, but many councils have aligned DHP activity with broader Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) programs, including the Household Support Fund, for 2026–27 and 2027–28. Local authorities can pool or layer these funds to support housing costs, prioritizing those at highest risk of eviction or homelessness.[1][3]
• Use and eligibility continue to require that claimants already receive HB or UC housing costs; DHP is not an entitlement and decisions are budget-dependent. Some authorities may also consider one-off or short-term awards for moving costs or rent deposits where circumstances warrant.[2][4]

Practical guidance

• How to apply: Contact your local council’s housing benefits or welfare rights team. If you’re already receiving HB or UC housing costs, you can apply for additional help via the council’s DHP application route (which may be integrated with CRF or hardship funds). Be ready to demonstrate ongoing financial hardship and housing risk, plus evidence of income, rent, and other expenses.[1][2]
• What funds cover: A DHP can cover rent shortfalls, rent deposits, rent in advance, or other housing-related costs as determined by the council. Awards can vary in amount and duration, reflecting local priorities and budget constraints.[6][4]

Illustration

• Example: A council with a fixed DHP budget might grant a 3-month top-up to cover a rent shortfall for a household at imminent risk of eviction, while also directing them to longer-term CRF-based supports where applicable. This demonstrates the discretionary nature of DHPs and the role of local priorities.[4][1]

Citations

• Discretionary Housing Payments overview and local administration details.[1]
• 2026 updates framing DHP within CRF context and local budgeting practices.[3]
• Eligibility and non-entitlement status; how awards are decided and potential one-offs.[2][4]
• Funding and usage guidance from the official statistics and manuals.[6][4]

If you’d like, I can tailor this to your area in Los Angeles (note: DHPs described above pertain to the UK system; if you’re asking about the US, I can provide equivalent programs in California and local city resources).