Housing Payments

Housing Payments provide extra money towards housing costs. They replaced Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) from April 2026. If you are struggling to pay your rent and you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, we may be able to help.

If you have an outstanding application for Discretionary Housing Payment your application will be considered under the new Housing Payment scheme. You do not need to apply again.

Housing Payments for rent

Housing Payments can cover shortfalls in your rent, including those caused by Local Housing Allowance limits, the bedroom tax, or the benefit cap.  

Housing Payments are usually temporary and are intended to help where you need extra support to meet your housing costs. We consider your income, essential outgoings and wider circumstances when making a decision.

A Housing Payment may be awarded where:

• you are experiencing financial hardship and are struggling to meet essential living costs such as rent, food or utility bills
• you need extra help with housing costs to stop your situation getting worse

We may also take account of exceptional circumstances, for example:

• you or a household member has a serious illness or disability that affects your housing options
• you are fleeing violence or abuse
• your home is at risk due to serious financial difficulties or debt

Housing Payments for moving costs

You can apply for a one-off Housing Payment to help you move home if:

• you do not have enough money to meet your moving costs
• your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element is restricted and you are moving to more affordable or suitable accommodation

You cannot get a Housing Payment if your rent shortfall is caused by the recovery of a Housing Benefit or Universal Credit overpayment, or if your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit is suspended.

Apply for a Housing Payment

When you apply for a Housing Payment, we will ask you for:

• your last two months bank statements for all accounts, showing all transactions
• your latest Universal Credit award letter
• proof of your rent charge and an up-to-date rent statement showing any rent arrears you owe

Send this evidence to us by email at welfareandbenefits@northyorks.gov.uk 

If you have recently made a claim for Universal Credit, we will be unable to process your application until we can confirm that you have been awarded the housing cost element of Universal Credit.

Apply for a Housing Payment