Cost of Living and welcoming places
Support from the Council
Information on the Welfare Support Service, the Local Welfare Provision Scheme and Household Support Fund.
Welfare Support Service
The Welfare Support Service is the first point of contact for money advice in South Tyneside.
They provide debt, benefit and money advice on the phone, in your local area or if necessary, in your home.
The service is free, impartial and confidential.
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.
Apply for the Local Welfare Provision Scheme
Household Support Fund
The Government has extended the Household Support Fund scheme until 31 March 2025. South Tyneside has received an allocation of £1.485m.
We have worked closely with partners to develop the new scheme, the focus of the funding is to help support residents across the borough to be financially secure and healthy and well, with support targeted to make things fairer. For information on our plans, see Household support fund.