Council Support Funds

If your benefits do not cover your full rent, you may be able to get a temporary financial top-up from your local council.

These funds were formally known as Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs), though your local council may now call them "Local Support Funds" or Housing Payments (HPs).

If your housing benefit or housing costs (part of Universal Credit) does not cover your full rent, Housing Payments may help cover that shortfall.

You may be awarded a support from your local council if you’re affected by:

• The bedroom tax
• The benefit cap
• The local housing allowance (LHA) cap
• Or if your Universal Credit payments include help with housing costs (rent)

How much will be paid?

Payments vary. You may get enough to meet the rent shortfall or just some of it. HPs can be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly or in a lump sum. You don’t have to repay a DHP.

How can I make an application?

Visit your Local Councils website to make an application:

• Warrington Borough Council
• St Helens Council
• Liverpool Council

If you are not sure of which council you are under, or with a Liverpool devolved councils (Knowsley, Sefton, Wirral, Liverpool) – to find your council visit: www.gov.uk/find-local-council.