2. Housing Payments
If you are struggling with housing related costs, you may wish to apply for a Housing Payment.
Housing Payments form part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund and replaces Discretionary Housing Payments from 1 April 2026.
Housing Payments are not payments of benefit. They are separate payments made at our discretion, if we believe you need extra financial support.
What a Housing Payment can help with
Housing Payments may be awarded to cover all or part of a shortfall in your rent or to help with the cost of taking up a new tenancy. Awards can also be considered for:
- Rent deposits
- Rent in advance
- Other lump-sum costs associated with a housing need.
Who can apply for a Housing Payment
You can apply if you currently receive either of these benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- The housing costs element of Universal Credit
and you need more financial support with a housing related cost.
How to apply
To apply please use our online form Apply for Housing Payments
You may be asked to provide additional information in support of your application. This will also be used to tailor any support and guidance we offer.
Please note, references to Discretionary Housing Payment in the form mean Housing Payment from 1 April 2026.
More information
You can see full details of the Housing Payments scheme in the policy document here: Housing Payments policy