Full devolution of Discretionary Housing Payments from 1 April.
More than £90 million will be allocated to local authorities in 2024-25 to support eligible households at risk of hardship through the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) scheme.
The funding enables local authorities to mitigate the impact of UK Government policies such as the ‘bedroom tax’ and the ‘benefit cap’ which can reduce how much universal credit or housing benefit someone receives.
Payments can also be made where Local Housing Allowance doesn’t meet someone’s rent, or if a household is in hardship and struggling to meet their housing costs.
Background
The Scottish Discretionary Housing Payments budget is £90.5 million in 2024-25. The scheme will come under full Scottish Government control from 1 April 2024.
In Scotland, if you rent your home and you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, but still can’t afford your housing costs, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
A Discretionary Housing Payment can be made if you:
- are affected by the benefit cap
- are affected by the bedroom tax
- claim Housing Benefit but it doesn’t cover all your rent
- claim Universal Credit but still can’t afford your housing costs
- need help with removal costs
- need help with a rent deposit
https://www.gov.scot/news/increased-budget-for-housing-costs-support/
