Household Support Fund
£3.2m is available to support Gateshead households in the most need. Support will be available until 31 March 2026, or when the funding runs out (whichever is sooner). The grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
How we will use the fund in Gateshead
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.
Household Support Fund (HSF) - VCSE partner applications
Household Support Funding is now available to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners in Gateshead to support residents who access their services for health and wellbeing support.
Applications can be made by completing the Expression of Interest (EOI) form (opens new window) and submitting it by the closing date of Friday 11 July 2025 at 4pm.
Successful applicants will be notified by end of day, Monday 21 July.
Further information is available within the Expression of Interest (EOI) form (opens new window).
For an informal discussion ahead of making an application, please contact Michael Walker by email at michaelwalker@gateshead.gov.uk.
Household Support Fund (HSF) - Individual applications
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 2026.
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, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm.