Discretionary Housing Payments in Scotland, explained
If you get help with rent but there is still a gap, your council has another fund. It can sometimes cover the shortfall, a deposit, rent in advance or moving costs.
By Graeme · 1 August 2026 · 5 min read
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If Housing Benefit or the housing part of Universal Credit does not cover your rent, a Discretionary Housing Payment — usually shortened to DHP — may give extra help through the council.
What the payment is
DHP is a separate council payment on top of housing benefit support. “Discretionary” means there is no automatic entitlement just because a shortfall exists. The council looks at the household, the cause of the gap, the available fund and what the payment would achieve.
It is different from Local Housing Allowance
Local Housing Allowance sets a benefit cap for private rent. DHP is the extra pot a council can use when normal housing support still leaves a problem.
Who can apply
You must normally rent your home and already get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. A low income alone is not enough if neither benefit is in payment.
Apply to the council that deals with your housing costs. The application is free. You can ask a welfare-rights adviser, housing officer or Citizens Advice to help with the form.
What it may cover
- A shortfall caused by the bedroom tax in social housing.
- A shortfall caused by the benefit cap.
- Some private-rent gaps where Local Housing Allowance is lower than the rent.
- In some cases, a deposit, rent in advance or reasonable moving costs.
A council may award a one-off payment or help for a limited period. It may expect a longer term plan, such as a benefit check, a move to affordable housing or action on an incorrect rent decision.
How to make a strong application
Show the whole budget
List income and essential costs honestly. Include food, energy, travel, disability costs, childcare and debt repayments. A bank statement does not explain every unusual payment, so add a short note where needed.
Explain what the payment prevents
- Rent arrears or homelessness.
- A move that would disrupt children’s schooling or essential care.
- Loss of an adapted or otherwise suitable home.
- Immediate hardship while a benefit error or housing move is resolved.
What happens next
Keep the decision and note when the award ends. If refused, ask for reasons and the local review process. A change in rent, income, benefits or household circumstances can justify a fresh application.
When the immediate problem is food or heating rather than rent, the right route may be a Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grant instead.
Apply to the council that handles your rent help
Every Scottish council has its own DHP form. Start from your area page, then follow the council's official housing-support route.
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