Cost of living targeted support
Cost of Living Targeted Support for Families in Preston
The rising cost of living continues to put pressure on households across Preston. Many families struggle to afford everyday essentials such as food, heating, and housing.
To help ease this burden, Preston City Council has introduced targeted support for low-income families with children, especially those affected by changes to benefit payments.
What's Available
If your household has been impacted by the benefit cap (including the Two Children Cap), you may be eligible for a one-off payment to help with the cost of living. Payments will be made before March 2026 and are based on how much your benefits have been reduced:
- 拢50 - if you've lost up to 拢50 per week
- 拢100 - if you've lost between 拢50 and 拢100 per week
- 拢300 - if you've lost between 拢100 and 拢200 per week
- 拢400 - if you've lost over 拢200 per week
Who Can Apply
To qualify, you must:
- Live in the Preston area
- Have children
- Be affected by the benefit cap
You'll need to provide three pieces of evidence:
- A document showing your name and address
- A benefit statement showing how many children are affected
- Your latest award notice shows the amount you've been capped.
The council will accept screenshots or clear images of these documents. Please make sure the bank details you provide match the name and address on your benefit evidence.
How to Apply
Applications are open from November 2025 to March 2026, or until funding runs out. Only one application per household is allowed unless additional funding becomes available.
Applications are to be made online using the online form.
- Make sure you upload all the required evidence when you apply
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis
- The council aim to respond within 20 working days
Due to high demand, the council is unable to respond to emails or calls about application progress. Please refrain from submitting multiple applications or contacting the council for updates, this will delay your case.
If you have questions, email costofliving@preston.gov.uk.