Cost of living support

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

Cost of Living Payments

• £650 cost of living payments for those who are entitled to certain benefits or tax credits
• £150 payment for people on disability benefits in September 2022
• £300 automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners

The Cost of Living Payments will be made by the government. The Council is not responsible for administering these payments.

See Cost of Living Payments from the government

Help with energy bills

£400 will be 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 this support.

Applications for the £150 Council Tax energy rebate have now closed.

See help with energy bills

£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 GOV.UK: Cost of living payment

Disability Cost of Living Payment

Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September 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 GOV.UK: Disability Cost of Living Payment

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 GOV.UK: Winter Fuel Payment

£400 reduction on energy bills

£400 will be 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 this support.

See GOV.UK: Help with your bills

Council Tax £150 energy rebate

The last date to apply for the rebate was Friday 10 June 2022.

See Council Tax £150 energy rebate

Advice from the government

The government website has guidance on:

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

See GOV.UK: Cost of living support - Help with your bills

Money and debt 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
  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

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
• 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 and benefits for families.

See GOV.UK: Benefits

Crisis support and food banks

• Crisis support
  If you have a financial crisis, you may be able to get short-term financial help.
• Food banks
  Food banks supply food parcels for individuals and families in crisis.
• Holiday activities and food programme
  Activities over the school holidays which include a nutritious meal each day.