Household Support Fund
£1.8m is available to support Gateshead households in the most need. Support will be available until 31 March 2025, or when the funding runs out (whichever is sooner).
The grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Each local council decides how to use the fund in their area. Gateshead councillors have agreed how the fund will be used.
We will use the fund to meet immediate needs and help people who are struggling to afford household essentials including energy bills, food, and wider essentials.
How we will use the fund in Gateshead
Targeted food provision
- Free school meals during Christmas and February half-term school holidays - £15 per child per week (automatically provided to eligible households)
- An additional voucher in January to support households receiving means-tested free school meals
Other support through existing and new projects (including but not limited to)
- Gateshead Foodbank (opens new window)
- Feeding Families (opens new window)
- Warm Spaces Network
- Refreshments in council Warm Spaces
- Citizens Advice Gateshead (opens new window)
- Bensham and Saltwell Alive (opens new window)
- Christ Church Felling (opens new window)
- Jewish Community Council of Gateshead (opens new window)
- Age UK Gateshead (opens new window)
Householders can also apply for help directly through the council
The council's application scheme aims to help households experiencing significant one-off financial difficulties and to look to prevent further crisis. For example, householders can apply for help to pay a large utility bill, or request replacement kitchen appliances, boilers, or carpets.
The application scheme is available to households that are currently resident in Gateshead.
We are not providing food vouchers through the application scheme. If you need help with food, use one of the food projects listed above or contact Citizens Advice Gateshead (opens new window) for a wider discussion on support.
You may be eligible for help through the HSF application scheme if:
- you are a householder in Gateshead
- we have funds available
- your household is in need of support
- you fit the other criteria for the application process at the time
You will not be eligible for help through the HSF application scheme if:
- you are not a householder in Gateshead
- we have no funds available
- you have received help from the fund since 1 October 2024
- your need is not covered by the scheme
- you are not deemed to need support in accordance with the scheme guidance
- the information you provide differs from information we hold on your household
Household Support Fund (HSF)
You must be a current householder to apply.
A householder is the person named on a property's Council Tax bill.
The funding available is limited. We will try to help as many households in need as possible by 31 March 2025.
Examples of help you can apply for:
- Replacement kitchen appliances
- Carpets to provide warmth
- Replacement or repair of boilers (homeowners only)
- Help to pay off a large utility bill
Eligibility for support is based on who lives in the household, the household income and expenditure, and the council's ability to meet the need within the funding available.
Households can use this form to apply for support from the fund.
If you are unable to apply online you can call Citizens Advice Gateshead on 0191 300 2363. They will review your circumstances and help you to apply. Gateshead Council tenants can get help to apply from the Advice and Support team on 0191 433 6161.
Those not eligible for an award through the direct application process may be offered other types of support.
If you still need support
Help for council tenants
Contact the Advice and Support Team
Help for any Gateshead resident
Contact the Debt Advice Service (opens new window)
Services from Citizens Advice Gateshead
Anyone struggling with money problems can receive free, independent and impartial advice by calling the Citizens Advice Gateshead debtline on 0191 490 4248.
If you have any other enquiries, for example welfare benefit issues, housing, employment or relationship problems, call Citizens Advice Gateshead on 0808 278 7902.
Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.