# What is a Discretionary Housing Payment or Housing Payment?

> Quick answer · Last updated 22 August 2026

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## In short

It is extra, discretionary help from your council toward rent if you already get Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element and still have a shortfall. In England from 1 April 2026 the scheme is a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment. Wales still calls it Discretionary Housing Payment.

England revoked the 2001 DHP regulations from 1 April 2026 (SI 2026/271). Councils must name the replacement Housing Payment. You apply to the council, not DWP. Awards are short-term and not a loan. Typical uses: LHA shortfall, spare-room reduction, benefit cap, a deposit to move.

Wales keeps Discretionary Housing Payments. Scotland and Northern Ireland run their own discretionary rent-top-up schemes. There is no national entitlement — if the pot is spent, the council can refuse.

How to apply: [housing payment or DHP](/how-to/apply-for-housing-payment-or-dhp/). Hub: [Housing Benefit, LHA and extra housing payments](/benefits-tax/housing-benefit-lha-dhp/).

## Related

- [Housing Benefit, LHA and extra housing payments](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/housing-benefit-lha-dhp/)
- [How to apply for extra housing help](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/apply-for-housing-payment-or-dhp/)

## Primary source

legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/271/made

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.