# How to apply for extra housing payment or Discretionary Housing Payment

> How-to · Last reviewed 22 August 2026

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## Quick answer

You must already get Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element. Apply to the council where you live — in England ask for a Housing Payment; in Wales ask for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

This is discretionary. There is no national award amount. England replaced Discretionary Housing Payments with Housing Payments under the Crisis and Resilience Fund on 1 April 2026. This is not a council form.

## Steps

### 1. Check you already get rent help

You usually need Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element in payment. If you do not, claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit first. Who can still claim Housing Benefit: [housing-costs hub](/benefits-tax/housing-benefit-lha-dhp/).

Source: https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit

### 2. Find the right council scheme name

England: search the council site for Housing Payment or Crisis and Resilience Fund. Wales: Discretionary Housing Payment. Scotland: discretionary housing payment via your local authority. Northern Ireland: Housing Executive Discretionary Housing Payment.

### 3. Apply with a budget, not just the rent figure

Explain the shortfall (LHA cap, spare room, benefit cap, or a deposit to move). Attach the UC housing-element page or HB letter. Ask whether they can pay the landlord direct.

### 4. Use the award window

Awards are short-term. Diary the end date and reapply only if the council’s rules allow. If refused, ask for a review in writing. Citizens Advice can help with the letter.

## Common pitfalls

- Applying to DWP instead of the council
- Using the old England name Discretionary Housing Payment and giving up when the search box finds nothing — try Housing Payment
- Asking for help with Council Tax — that is a different local reduction, not this scheme

## Frequently asked questions

### Is this a loan?

No. You do not repay a Housing Payment or Discretionary Housing Payment.

### Can I get help with a deposit?

Sometimes, if it lets you move to a rent that LHA can cover. The council decides.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Housing Benefit](https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit)
- [SI 2026/271 — DHP revocation in England](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/271/made)
- [GOV.UK — Discretionary Housing Payments manual (Wales)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/discretionary-housing-payments-guidance-manual)

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