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8th June 2026
Need help with your rent? You could get extra support
If you’re worried about paying your rent, you’re not alone — and help may be available. Many residents don’t realise they can apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs), which can give you extra money to help cover your rent when your benefits don’t go far enough.
What is a DHP?
A Discretionary Housing Payment is extra financial help from your local council to support you with housing costs.
It can help if:
- Your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit doesn’t fully cover your rent
- You’ve fallen behind on rent
- You need help with a deposit or moving costs
The best part is — you don’t have to pay this money back.
Why this is important
Some residents are affected by changes to benefits, including the removal of the spare room subsidy (sometimes called the “bedroom tax”).
This means if your home has more bedrooms than your household needs, your benefits may be reduced — leaving you to pay the difference.
For example:
- 1 spare bedroom → about 14% less housing benefit
- 2 or more spare bedrooms → about 25% less
This can make managing your rent much harder — but DHPs are there to help cover that gap.
How a DHP can help you
A DHP can:
- ✅ Help you keep up with your rent
- ✅ Reduce or clear rent arrears
- ✅ Give you time to get back on track financially
- ✅ Help you stay in your home
Many people say they wouldn’t be able to pay their rent without this support.
Who can apply?
You might be able to get a DHP if you:
- Receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element)
- Are struggling to cover your rent
People often apply because:
- Their benefits don’t cover the full rent
- They’ve been affected by the bedroom tax
- Their income has changed or costs have increased
How to apply
Applying is simple and done through your local council:
- Fill in a short application form
- Explain why you need help
- Share details about your income and expenses
Your council will look at your situation and decide if they can help and how much you can get.
👉 You can find official guidance here:
Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment
Extra support from Karibu
As well as applying for a DHP through your council, you may also be able to get help from the Karibu Hardship Fund.
This is additional support designed to help residents who are struggling financially.
👉 You can apply by completing our“Connect with Us” form on our website.
Don’t wait — apply early
DHP funding is limited and not automatic, so it’s really important to apply as soon as you start struggling.
Even if you’re not sure you qualify, it’s always worth applying.
We’re here to support you
If you need help applying or want to talk about your options, please contact our Income Team. We’re here to:
- Help you complete your application
- Talk through your situation
- Support you to manage your rent
Remember: If you’re struggling with rent, help is available — applying for a DHP and the Karibu Hardship Fund could make a real difference.
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