Housing Payments

Housing Payments (DHP) and Council Tax Discretionary Relief

Need help paying your rent or Council Tax?

If you're struggling to pay your rent or council tax, we may be able to help with a Housing Payment or Council Tax Discretionary Relief.

We can offer support in special circumstances to help with:

  • Rent shortfalls
  • Council tax payments (via the hardship fund)
  • Rent in advance (proof required)
  • Deposits for a new home (proof required)
  • One-off housing-related costs, such as removal expenses (2 quotes required)

Important: All required documents must be uploaded at the time of your application. Claims without supporting documents will be refused.

To upload your documents, click Upload your documents and select ‘Upload My Evidence’ option at the bottom of the page 

Upload your documents

Who can apply?

To apply for a Housing Payment:

  • You must be receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (with housing costs included).
  • You must show that you need extra help with rent.

To apply for the Council Tax Discretionary Relief:

  • You must be liable for council tax.

What we consider when assessing your application

If you are applying due to being in severe financial hardship, we will look at:

  • Any debts you have and whether you've sought advice
  • Spending on non-essential items
  • Unclaimed benefits you may be entitled to
  • Ways to increase your income (e.g. more work hours)
  • Support from friends or family
  • Reasons for staying in your current home (e.g. access to work, schools, or health services)
  • Whether you've tried to move to a more affordable home
  • If you're escaping domestic violence, leaving care, or another institution
  • If your benefits are likely to increase soon (e.g. expecting a baby)

Please ensure you fully complete the form, including all your income and expenditure information. If you have any other information to support your application, please make sure you add this to the form.

Further information may be requested to support your application.

What happens next?

Once we’ve reviewed your application, you’ll receive a written decision within 6 weeks.

Please note: Discretionary funds are limited and are not intended as a long-term solution to help with your rent and/or council tax payments.