Social Care Services offers a debt counselling service to residents in the borough. An appointment to see a Debt Counsellor can be made by contacting the Duty Officer (via phone or email) or at Local District Offices.
If you are going in to hospital you should immediately notify the Department for Work and Pensions and the Council office that deals with your claims for Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
The Council has two Welfare Rights Officers who offer a comprehensive and intensive service to ensure you are receiving your maximum benefit.
There is also a Welfare Rights Officer based at the Citizens Advice Bureau who offers the same service and additionally can assist with appeals.
If your queries relate to your housing needs, there are Welfare Rights Officers and a Debt Counsellor available at the Gateshead Housing Company - there are surgeries set up in housing offices.