Updated October 2026
In short: A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is extra help from Lewisham Council for people who get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit but still can't afford their rent. It's not a benefit you're entitled to: the council decides based on its budget and your circumstances, and payments are usually short-term.
| DHP can help with | DHP usually can't help with |
|---|---|
| A shortfall between your rent and your benefit | Service charges or bills that are ineligible for benefit |
| Rent deposits or rent in advance for a new home | Increases in rent caused by arrears or sanctions |
| Short-term help while you find cheaper housing or work | Council tax (there's separate council tax support) |
| Shortfalls from the benefit cap or under-occupancy deduction | Ongoing long-term top-ups with no plan to change |
Who can apply?
You must be getting Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with a housing element, and have a shortfall in meeting your housing costs. Local Housing Allowance rates remain frozen at their April 2024 levels for 2026/27, so many private tenants in Lewisham have a gap between their rent and their benefit.
Making a strong application
| 1 | Gather evidence Tenancy agreement, rent statement, benefit award letters, bank statements and evidence of your income and outgoings. |
| 2 | Explain your situation Why you can't cover the shortfall, and any health, disability, children's schooling or other reasons you need to stay. |
| 3 | Show a plan Steps you're taking: looking for work, cheaper housing or budgeting help. |
| 4 | Apply to Lewisham Council Use the council's online DHP form and keep a copy. |
| 5 | Review If refused, you can ask the council to review its decision. |
Looking for a more affordable home?
Since 1 May 2026, landlords and agents in England can't refuse tenants just because they receive benefits, and they can't ask for more than a month's rent in advance. That makes it easier to move to a home within your Local Housing Allowance.
How Fraser Bond helps benefit-supported tenants
- Homes in and around Lewisham that are affordable on Local Housing Allowance
- Help with application paperwork and the right evidence
- Landlords who welcome Universal Credit tenants
- Support with deposits and DHP evidence where a move is needed
Struggling with rent in Lewisham?
Talk to us about homes that fit your Housing Allowance.
Speak to our teamRelated guides
Fraser Bond services: DSS & benefit-friendly rentals · Rental · Contact us
