• How can I pay my rent?

You can pay your rent in the following ways:

• By Direct Debit monthly on 1st, 10th or 20th. Telephone 0161 686 8000 for details.
• In person at any Council cash office. For details of opening times telephone 0161 253 5067.
• Pay at any Post Office. Telephone 0161 686 8000 to order your payment card.
• Pay at any retail outlet displaying the Paypoint or PayZone Logo by using your Post Office payment card.
• By post.  Send your cheque made payable to Bury MBC and your rent card, to the Chief Cashier, Town Hall, Knowsley St, Bury, BL9 OSW.
• By credit/debit card. Telephone 0161 253 7917 (24hr automated service.) or 0161 686 8000
• Pay online using the Council's secure card server
• Non-cash payments can be made at all council information points situated in Prestwich, Ramsbottom, Tottington and Whitefield libraries.
  

• How can I claim Housing Benefit?

The quickest way to claim is online.  Just use our online benefit calculator to find out if you could qualify for Housing Benefit.  It will tell you if you are entitled to any benefits and will help you to submit an official claim online.

Alternatively, you can pick up a claim form at the council offices at the following locations:

• Whittaker Street, Radcliffe,
• The Longfield Centre, Prestwich,
• Any Council Information Point (Prestwich, Ramsbottom, Tottington and Whitefield libraries)
• The Town Hall, Bury or
• any Local Authority Neighbourhood Office
  

• I have rent arrears, what should I do?

If you get into arrears, it is important that you contact us straight away to arrange repayment . If you are in arrears and unable to clear the balance in full, we may be able to make an agreement with you to pay an affordable amount each week until the debt is cleared.  If you breach this agreement and your arrears increase, we may take you to court to obtain an order requiring you to pay.  You should be aware that failing to pay your rent may ultimately mean that you are evicted and will loose your home.

• Why have you sent me an arrears letter when I have paid my rent

If you pay at a Post Office or Pay Point outlet, it can take up to 4 days for your payment to reach us.   So, you should make your payments on a Monday to make sure your payment is received in the due week.  Or, you must adjust your payments so that you are paying for the following week.  i.e. pay in advance. 

• You are taking me to court for rent arrears. What can I do?

If you are going to court, you must contact us to make arrangements to repay your arrears. It may not be too late to do something about it, but you must act quickly. Please contact us now.

• I’ve had an eviction notice. What should I do?

If you receive an eviction notice from the Court, this means that on the date given you will be evicted from your home.  If you are willing to leave before this date, you should contact us to make arrangements.  For help on your options if you are faced with eviction, please contact us or the Council’s Housing Advice Service .

• I think I’ve paid too much rent. Can I have it back?

If you pay too much rent, you can ask for it to be refunded to you or you can simply use up your credit by not paying for a while.  For example, you may have been paying your rent in advance and been granted backdated Housing Benefit.  If you think you have been overpaid, please contact us .

• I’m struggling to meet all my debts. What can I do?

It is important that you ensure that you can meet your priority debts such as rent, Council Tax and fuel bills. If you are finding it difficult to make ends meet, please contact us.  We have trained rents officers, Citizens Advice and Housing Benefit on hand to help.