Discretionary Housing Payment

Using your payment

You can use a Discretionary Housing Payment to pay for:

  • Rent
  • Deposit or bond for moving house
  • Rent arrears

You cannot use a Discretionary Housing Payment to pay for:

  • Council Tax – but you may be eligible for Discretionary Council Tax Support.
  • Service charges not covered by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, such as gas, water or electricity
  • Increases in rent due to outstanding rent arrears
  • A shortfall in your Housing Benefit due to repaying overpaid Housing Benefit
  • Rent that's clearly excessive