Discretionary housing payments
There are two types of DHP. There is a separate form for each one.
1. DHP for help with rent at current address
DHP are payments made by the council where it is satisfied that a person needs extra financial help with their housing costs (i.e., their rent).
Who can claim a discretionary housing payment?
Anybody receiving housing benefit or housing costs within their universal credit can make a claim, where there is a shortfall between the rent liability and the benefit awarded.
However, the DHP cannot be paid for service charges that housing benefit cannot cover, for example water rates, electricity and personal care.
We will consider a request for a DHP where a person can show that there is a genuine need for further help with their rent and where there are special circumstances to support that need. The council has complete discretion when deciding whom to make payments to.
How to claim a discretionary housing payment
If you are downloading an application form, please complete it and return it to us with proof of all your expenditure and debts.
If you rent from a private landlord please provide proof of the amount of rent charge, rent paid and arrears to date.
What happens next?
We will look at your form and may contact you for more information.
Your application will be considered, and we will send you a letter/email to advise you of the decision.
How will an award be made?
We will decide whether to pay direct to your landlord or to you.
Changes of circumstances
You must inform us immediately of any change in your income and circumstances and the income and circumstances of anyone who lives in your household.
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, you must inform them of all changes and provide our benefits team with updated UC awards.
It is a criminal offence to obtain monies dishonestly and the council will not hesitate to use its powers to prosecute if necessary.
Further information
If you require any further information, you can contact us as follows:
- Email: benefits@lancaster.gov.uk
- Post: Benefits and Customer Services, PO Box 4, Town Hall, Lancaster LA1 1QR
- Telephone: 01524 582965 (9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 10am to 5pm Wednesday)
- Visit: Lancaster or Morecambe Town Hall, open from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday
2. DHP for upfront costs
If there is a need to move properties, a DHP may be requested to pay for:
- Rent deposit
- Rent in advance
- Moving costs
Please note that a person must be in receipt of housing benefit or housing costs within their universal credit at their current address to request a DHP for deposit, rent in advance or moving costs regarding their intended new address. There must be a need for the move.
A DHP will not usually be awarded where it is considered that a rent being charged for a property is excessive or where the accommodation is too large for a person’s needs, and other suitable accommodation is available.
How to claim a discretionary housing payment
You can either complete a claim online or download an application form and complete and return it to us.
If you are downloading an application form, please provide bank statements and three removal quotes (if need help with moving costs).
What happens next?
We will look at your form and may contact you and the potential landlord for more information.
Your application will be considered, and we will send you a letter to advise you of the decision.
How will an award be made?
A DHP for deposit and/or rent in advance is usually made to the potential landlord.
A DHP for removal costs is usually made to you.
Last updated: 17 May 2023