Here’s the latest on discretionary housing payments (DHP) and how it’s being applied near Buffalo, NY, and in the UK context where DHP is a common term.
Overview
- Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are payments local authorities in the UK can award to help with housing costs when housing benefits or the housing element of Universal Credit don’t cover rent. They can cover shortfalls, deposits, and other moving-related costs. This is the closest official term for what you might be asking about, and many authorities refer to it under the broader Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) framework as of 2026. The program is locally administered, with authorities deciding eligibility and award amounts within national guidance.[1][4]
Recent developments (2025–2026)
- In 2025–2026, some local authorities have continued to run DHPs within the CRF framework, maintaining prior allocation levels and adapting to the shift in terminology used by the government and local councils.[2]
- The UK government publishes periodic statistics on DHP use (e.g., April–September 2024 and 2025–2025) showing local authorities’ discretion over amounts and award durations, including supports for rent shortfalls, deposits, or moving costs.[4][5]
- Several local authorities have publicized their DHP allocations and application guidance for residents, including eligibility criteria, award periods (often at least a few weeks to several months), and how DHP interacts with other benefits (HB or UC).[3][6][9]
NB for the U.S. context
- In the United States, there isn’t a nationwide DHP program analogous to the UK’s DHP/CRF structure. Localities may offer emergency rental assistance, homelessness prevention funds, or other temporary housing aid through local or state programs. If you’re looking for U.S.-specific options in Buffalo, NY, you’d typically check:
- New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) status and local Erie County/City of Buffalo guidance.
- Local housing authorities or human services departments for temporary rent assistance, crisis funds, or eviction prevention programs.
- Nonprofits and faith-based organizations offering short-term rent support or security deposits.
How to check for the latest in your area (Buffalo, NY)
- Contact Erie County Department of Social Services or the City of Buffalo’s housing or human services offices to ask about emergency rental assistance, eviction prevention, or short-term housing cost support.
- Look for current grant programs or local CRF-like funds that may be available to renters, including any residual or rebranded programs under local authority names.
- If you’re eligible for federal or state programs, ensure you have documentation of income, housing costs, and any shortfall calculations ready to support an application.
Illustration (how DHP-like support typically works)
- You qualify if you’re entitled to housing benefit or the housing element of UC (or equivalent local support) and still face a rent shortfall.
- The amount and duration are decided by the local authority, aiming to bridge the gap until regular benefits or income can cover the cost.
- In some cases, DHP-like funds can cover deposits or moving costs to enable a more affordable arrangement.
Would you like me to:
- Look up the most recent local guidance or guidance documents from a specific UK council or region?
- Find current U.S. (Buffalo/Erie County) emergency rental assistance or temporary housing aid programs and eligibility steps? If so, tell me which option you prefer (UK-focused or Buffalo, NY-focused), and I’ll pull the latest official details.
Citations
- UK guidance and policy context for discretionary housing payments and the CRF framework.[5][1][4]
- Local authority updates and policy notes on DHP allocations and procedures.[9][2][3]
Sources
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. Funding is allocated to lower tier and unitary local authorities (LAs) and they have broad discretion to spend in line with their local priorities. This includes deciding how much will be paid and the length of the award. A DHP can be awarded to cover a rent shortfall, a rent deposit, rent in advance, or other...
www.gov.ukRead our archive of news items
www.arun.gov.ukDiscretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. Local authorities (LAs) have broad discretion to spend in line with their local priorities. This includes deciding how much will be paid and the length of the award. A DHP can be awarded to cover a rent shortfall, a rent deposit, rent in advance, or other costs associated with moving.
www.gov.ukDiscretionary Housing Payment Policy
www.rushcliffe.gov.ukintegrating Discretionary Housing Payments within CRF. This means for the financial years 2026/27 and 2027/28 the allocation of DHPs will be maintained at the 2025/26 level. 3.11 Further details will be presented to the Board once the DWP issues definitive
councillors.halton.gov.ukSefton Council now has almost £1/2 million available to help people living in rented housing across the Borough. The Council has been allocated £495,361 by the Government for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs).
www.sefton.gov.ukLocal authorities can award a discretionary housing payment (DHP) to claimants if existing benefits such as housing benefit or universal credit do not cover housing costs. Find out who is eligible, what a DHP can cover, and how to apply.
england.shelter.org.uk