Discretionary Housing Payments

If you receive Housing benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs and need help with your rent you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing payment.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

DHP is only paid in exceptional circumstances to Solihull residents who are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (Housing Costs Element).

It is designed to help if your Housing Benefit / Universal Credit (Housing Costs element) does not cover your rent, or if you need help with a one-off cost such as:

  • Outstanding rent to prevent homelessness
  • Moving costs - in exceptional circumstances
  •  Finding a deposit, and / or rent advance (for a privately rented sector property only), if you are already claiming housing benefit or Universal Credit costs in Solihull. We can only consider this following a referral from a Home Options Advisor in relation to your current homeless reduction application.

Before completing an application please refer to the DHP information sheet for our eligibility criteria.

Apply online for Discretionary help

You can also download an application form.

Completed forms can be returned by post to Financial Inclusion Team, Income & Awards, PO Box 8118, Council House, Solihull, B91 9WZ, emailed to the team or taken to your local Connect Office.

If you wish to speak with a member of the team please call 0121 704 6202 or email financialinclusion@solihull.gov.uk