Crisis & Resilience Fund Housing Payment (DHP replacement)
The Crisis & Resilience Fund Housing Payment (Housing Payment) has replaced Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) from 01 April 2026.
Housing Payments provide extra financial support if you need help covering housing costs.
To qualify, you must be receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and currently living in the Winchester City Council district.
When assessing whether you need additional financial support to cover a rent shortfall or a one-off housing cost, we review your income, essential expenses, and savings. If your situation demonstrates financial hardship, you may be considered for a Housing Payment.
Please note: Housing Payment funding is limited and can only be awarded where no other alternatives are available. All payments made under the War Pensions Scheme and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, paid in respect of injury, illness or death arising from service in the Armed Forces, are disregarded.
What Housing Payments can help with:
Housing Payments can help with an ongoing shortfall in rent or a past period top-up (between eligible rent and Housing Benefit/housing element of Universal Credit).
Apply for an ongoing Housing Payment
You can also apply for one-off housing costs, such as rent in advance, deposits or moving expenses.
Apply for an one-off Housing Payment
What Housing Payments cannot cover:
- Rent arrears for periods without Housing Benefit or housing element of Universal Credit entitlement.
- Household goods (e.g., furniture, carpets, white goods).
- Costs if you have already secured the tenancy or live outside Winchester City Council’s district.
Awards are short-term and intended to help while you work to improve your situation.