Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) can provide extra financial assistance with housing costs for tenants who have a shortfall between their Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing cost element) award and the cost of their contractual rent. 

Recently Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey announced changes to the Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme, offering greater support to private renters on a longer-term basis.

This guide will provide an update on the changes to DHPs with a focus on sustaining tenancies and preventing and alleviating homelessness.