If you are on a low income you may be able to claim Housing Benefit to help you pay your rent. If you are unsure whether you would be entitled to Housing Benefit, please contact the Rent Recovery Team by email or by telephone on 0800 953 0213 for advice.

Claim forms are available from Community Gateway Association Offices or from Preston City Council. It is your responsibility to claim Housing Benefit, however if you would like help completing your claim form, contact a member of our Rent Recovery Team.

If you are only entitled to part Housing Benefit, you must pay the rest of your rent by one of the methods listed on our pay rent page. You are responsible for all rent that is not paid by Housing Benefit.

You must provide Preston City Council with any information they request to make sure your claim is dealt with quickly. If you do not provide the information requested within the time they give you, your claim could be cancelled. If you claim is cancelled, you are responsible for paying your full rent even if you intend to put a new claim in for Housing Benefit.

If you claim Housing Benefit you must inform Preston City Council of any changes in your circumstances. You must tell them if your income changes, or if any person moves into or out of your home.

If you do not notify the Council you could receive more money than you are entitled to, which would result in an overpayment of benefit. The Council would claim back any overpaid Housing Benefit which could cause you hardship.

To find out more about claiming Housing Benefit, please e-mail Preston City Council's Benefits Team or call the team on 01772 906971. Or download a benefit application form and return it to Preston City Council, Town Hall, Preston PR1 2RL.