This page answers questions that the Community Gateway Association (CGA) regularly gets asked.

There's a minus (-) figure showing on my rent account. Am I in arrears?

No. The minus figure means you are in credit (the CGA owes you).

If the CGA owes me money, what can I do?

You've got two choices:

• You can leave the money where it is, and the CGA will tell you when next to pay your rent.
• The CGA can arrange for a cheque to be sent to you, refunding the money.

I'm unemployed and can't afford to pay my rent - what should I do?

Fill in a Housing Benefit form as soon as you can. The sooner you fill in the form, the sooner you can get help with paying your rent.

Although I work, I'm on a low income - how much do I have to pay?

Ring the CGA and find out. The Rent Recovery Team can carry out a quick calculation to see if you qualify for Housing Benefit.

If you do qualify, you'll need to complete a Housing Benefit form. The CGA can send one out to you, or help you to fill in the form if needed.

If you don't qualify, the CGA will advise you what to pay based on the information you have provided. But you will still need to complete a Housing Benefit form.

Why has my Housing Benefit been stopped?

This could happen for several different reasons. The most usual reasons are:

• You've started work
• You're now getting a different benefit
• Your son or daughter is now 18-years-old
• You haven't replied to a Housing Benefit letter sent to you

Please contact Preston City Council on 01772 906971 to sort this out immediately.

The CGA has sent me a letter saying I owe money, but I get housing benefit. What should I do?

Your Housing Benefit might have stopped. Ring the Rent Recovery Team on 0800 953 0213 as soon as you can and we'll be able to help you find out what's happening.

If you ever get a letter from the Rent Recovery Team, please give us a call and check. Don't ignore any letters about your rent, it could be important.

I've been served a Notice Seeking Possession - what does that mean?

It means that we are considering taking you to court because your rent has not been paid, or you are in arrears. This is very serious and could lead to your home being repossessed.

If you get a notice like this, please ring us as soon as you can to discuss the best way of sorting things out. Your home could be at risk otherwise.