Answers · Question
What is a discretionary housing payment?
It is a council top-up when Housing Benefit, or the Universal Credit housing element, does not cover the rent. You ask the council. They can say no. The budget can run out. It is not a second housing benefit and it is not guaranteed.
- This check does not know the Local Housing Allowance, so it cannot tell you the shortfall.
- Working-age rent is usually inside Universal Credit. A discretionary housing payment still needs that housing element, or Housing Benefit, to be in payment.
GOV.UK, discretionary housing payments
Indicative only. Not advice. Confirm it on the official page before you rely on it.