Cost of Living Support South Tyneside

Cost Of Living Payments From The Government

The Government has announced extra support for families to help with the cost of living pressures.

£650 Cost of Living Payment

Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 in 2022. 

This will be made automatically in two instalments. This is in addition to the £400 discount on energy bills. See the Government website for more info.

Disability Cost of Living Payment

Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport.

This is in addition to the £650 Cost Of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits. See the Government website for more information. 

Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills. 

This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment. See the Government site for more information.

How these benefits will be paid…

The cost of living payments will be made by the government. South Tyneside Council is not responsible for administering these payments.

Help With Energy Bills

£400 Reduction on Energy Bills

£400 will taken off your energy bill automatically from October 2022. This does not need to be paid back and requires no action.

This is a government scheme – South Tyneside Council is not responsible for administering the support. See the government website for more information.

GOV.UK

The government website has guidance on…

• Cold weather payments if you get certain benefits
• Warm Home Discount for low-income households
• 0% VAT on energy saving materials
• Budgeting loans
• Social tariffs for cheaper phone and broadband
• Help paying your water bill

See the government website for more information.

South Tyneside Homes

The South Tyneside Homes website has guidance on…

• Help with energy bills if you’re struggling or unable to pay
• What to do if you are confused about your bill
• Getting the best deal from your energy supplier
• Smart Meters

Click here to view the South Tyneside Homes Guidance.

Support Through The Local Welfare Provision Scheme

You may be eligible for support through our Local Welfare Provision Scheme. Funding for this scheme has been increased using money from the Household Support Fund.

This scheme provides short term financial help if you have a financial crisis or need help with your daily living expenses because you are experiencing exceptional hardship.

You will need to apply for this fund to check if you are eligible. 

Applications will be considered on a case by case basis. You will need to provide proof of your circumstances.

Support is provided in the form of vouchers that you can use for food and energy.

Click here to apply for the local welfare provision scheme.

Other Support and Advice…

Welfare Support Service

The Welfare Support Service is the first point of contact for money advice in South Tyneside

Money and debt support services in South Tyneside

Click here to find local and national support services.

Advice from the government

GOV.UK has help pages about how to support your income, housing support, help with childcare costs, transport and getting into work. Click for more info.

Check if you are entitled to benefits…

South Tyneside Council provides Housing Benefit (help to pay your rent if you are on a low income) and Council Tax Support (help to pay your Council Tax if you’re on a low income.

The government provides other benefits, such as Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Job Seeker’s Allowance and low-income benefits, disabilities benefits for families. Click here to learn more.

Crisis Support and Food

Crisis Support – if you have a financial crisis, you may be able to get short-term financial help. Click here for more information about Crisis Support.

Food Banks – food banks supply food parcels for individuals and families in crisis. To find out where Food Banks are based in South Tyneside, click here.

Warm Spaces South Tyneside – These are public spaces you can go to if you need to get warm, save money on heating costs, avoid social isolation and receive support and advice. Click here to find Warm Spaces in South Tyneside.