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Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment

Last updated
9 Oct 2023

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

How to apply

Your local council is responsible for deciding if you will get a Discretionary Housing Payment.

Visit your local council's website to find out:

  • if you're eligible
  • how to apply
Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Dumfries & Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth & Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council
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