Discretionary housing payments
Every five to six years, the calendar makes it so we have 53 Mondays instead of the usual 52. This coming financial year, 2024 / 2025, is one of those special years.
If you get Universal Credit, the Department for Work and Pensions will only pay for 52 weeks of your rent in a year. In a 53 week financial year, this means there will be one week of rent that will not be covered by Universal Credit.
Find out what we're doing to help and what to do if you're affected and already struggling with the cost of living.
What discretionary housing payments are for
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We usually give discretionary housing payments to help people get over short-term difficulties.
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Your circumstances do not have to be exceptional, but you do have to give a good reason for needing extra support.
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We consider applications on a case-by-case basis.
Eligibility
You can apply for a discretionary housing payment if:
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you get housing benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit
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your housing benefit or housing costs don’t cover all of your rent.
How to apply
Complete an application form and return it to us by uploading your documents.
Alternatively, you can post your form to Housing Benefits Team, PO Box 58996, Catford Road, London SE6 9JD.
You can find the Government's latest Discretionary Housing Payment guidance here.
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Our decision
We will send you a decision notice within one calendar month of the date that we receive your application. This letter will explain the reasons for our decision.
Report a change in circumstances
If we give you a discretionary housing payment, you must tell us immediately if there are any changes in your circumstances. Otherwise we may overpay you and you will have to pay the money back.