• your income
• your savings or capital
• the amount of your rent
• other people living with you

This is not a full list and further enquiries should be made directly with the Benefits Division.

When is Housing Benefit awarded from?

If you qualify for Housing Benefit it will normally be awarded from the Monday following the date you first make contact with the Council for an application form.  This form must be returned within one month of the date issued along with any other income proof or savings/capital proof as requested.

Please remember that it is your responsibility to claim Housing Benefit and to provide all information as required. Failure to do so may result with you not being paid housing benefit which will result with you being liable for the rent.

What is an overpayment?

An overpayment is where you have been paid more Housing Benefit than you are entitled to and usually happens when you do not notify the Benefits Division of changes in circumstances as soon as they happen, for example; an increase in your wages or any other income or if someone moves in to your home.

It is your duty to tell the Council of any changes in your circumstances promptly to avoid having to repay any monies.  Where an overpayment arises, then action will be taken to recover the money.

How to claim for Housing Benefit

If you think that you are entitled to Housing Benefit you should obtain an application form from:

The Benefits Division
PO Box 50
Town Hall
Blackpool
FY1 1NF

Tel: 01253 478847

Opening Times: 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 2 pm Saturdays

For full details of how to apply or to request an application form, click here.

Alternatively, forms are also available from your local housing offices.