DHP provides extra help to customers who are already getting housing benefits or the rent element of Universal Credit and need further support with housing costs. This is because there is a shortfall between the amount of benefit they get and their rent.
Luton Council receives some money from the government each year to spend on DHP, but there is a limit on the amount that can be spent. This means that not everyone who claims will be awarded this extra help.
To qualify for DHP, you have to meet certain conditions:
- You must be receiving some housing benefit or universal credit that includes a housing element towards rental liability
- There must be a shortfall between the amount of benefit you get and your rent
- You must be able to show that you need extra help to meet your housing costs
