Housing Payments provide short term financial support to help residents in Telford & Wrekin who are struggling to meet essential housing costs and are at risk of housing insecurity.
Housing Payments replace the Council’s previous Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) scheme and form part of the new Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund is funded by the UK Government, with Telford & Wrekin Council responsible for administering the scheme locally in line with national guidance, ensuring support is targeted to residents who need it most.

 

What are Housing Payments?

Housing Payments are intended to help residents who are experiencing a shortfall in their housing costs and are struggling to afford their rent or other essential housing related expenses.
They are designed to provide temporary financial support where this can help someone:

  • remain in their home
  • prevent homelessness or housing insecurity
  • stabilise their housing situation while longer term solutions are explored
  • meet costs associated with moving to more affordable housing

Housing Payments are not intended to provide indefinite housing support, but to help manage a difficult period.

Who can apply?

You may be able to apply for a Housing Payment if you:

  • live in Telford & Wrekin
  • are responsible for paying rent
  • are experiencing financial hardship and cannot meet these costs in full are entitled to either Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs

Each application is assessed based on individual circumstances to ensure support is provided where it can make the greatest difference. 

What can Housing Payments help with?

Housing Payments may be used to help residents with a shortfall in essential housing costs where financial assistance can help prevent homelessness or housing insecurity.
Depending on individual circumstances, Housing Payments may help with:

  • a shortfall between your rent and the amount covered by Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit
  • removal or moving costs where a move is necessary to reduce housing costs or prevent homelessness
  • temporary support with housing costs while you stabilise your finances
  • support to help you remain in your current home where this is sustainable and affordable
  • rent in advance to help you secure more affordable accommodation (available via our Housing Team – details below)
  • a tenancy deposit where this is needed to move into suitable, affordable housing (available via our Housing Team – details below)

Housing Payments can be awarded as a one off payment or as short term ongoing support, depending on what is most appropriate for your situation.
The type and level of support offered will depend on your circumstances.

How to apply

You can apply online using our application form:
Apply for a Housing Payment
You will be asked to provide information about your housing costs, income and circumstances to help us understand your situation.
If you need help with your application or are unable to apply online, support is available by calling 01952 383838.

How will you pay my Housing Payment?

If we decide to make a Housing Payment, we will pay this along with your Housing Benefit entitlement. If we usually pay your Housing Benefit to your landlord, we will pay your Housing Payment to them at the same time. If you are receiving Housing Benefit payments and have rent arrears, we may pay your landlord directly to help protect your tenancy.
If you’re in receipt of Housing Costs through Universal Credit, we will consider paying either yourself or your landlord, depending on your circumstances, but again we may pay your Housing Payment to your landlord - especially if you have rent arrears and your tenancy needs protecting.

Deposits/Rent in advance

If you wish to enquire about help with a deposit or rent in advance, you need to contact our Housing Team to discuss your circumstances in more detail - as these are not directly available through the Housing Payment scheme. The Housing Team can be contacted by:
Telephone: 01952 381925
Email: homelesscustomerservice@telford.gov.uk

Other support available

Housing Payments are part of the wider Crisis and Resilience Fund, which brings together immediate financial support and longer term help to improve financial wellbeing.
The Council is developing a broader financial resilience support offer, which will be launched later in 2026. This will focus on helping residents reduce the risk of future financial difficulty.
More information about this support will be shared later in the year on our Crisis and Resilience Fund page.