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Housing and council tenant financial help

Housing and council tenant financial help

Access support to manage housing costs, bills and financial support from Northumberland's Council House Income Team.

This information was last updated on 9 December 2024.

This page is only to inform tenants of the financial support available to them. If you have any other housing queries, visit our housing pages.

If you are not a council or housing tenant and are looking for financial support go to the Household Support Fund page.

Financial support for council housing tenants

If Northumberland County Council tenants are struggling to pay rent, worried about paying their bills or need some general advice, support is available from our team of dedicated Income Officers. 

Our Welfare Advice and Support Officers provide tenants of Northumberland County Council with specialist advice to maximise income and benefit entitlement. 

They can also give advice and make referrals into other agencies and services to help tenants:

  • manage a budget
  • reduce debts
  • apply for grants or funding
  • reduce their household bills  

Our Tenancy Support Officers provide advice and support to vulnerable tenants of Northumberland County Council to support and empower them to sustain their tenancy. They can offer support in many areas for our most vulnerable tenants including

  • moving in and setting up utilities
  • acquiring furniture and white goods
  • referrals for support with health
  • education, or employment needs
  • maintaining their property
  • keeping safe
  • managing behaviours

Contact us: 

Telephone: 01670 623 483 
Email: housingwelfaresupport@northumberland.gov.uk 

For all other queries: 

Telephone: 0345 600 6400

Budgeting Loan

You may be eligible for a Budgeting Loan if you've been on certain benefits for 6 months.

This can be used for household items, rent in advance and travelling costs.

Cheaper phone and broadband

You may be eligible to move onto a social tariff if you're struggling to afford your broadband or phone services.

Check the Ofcom website to see if you can switch to a social tariff.

Help paying your water bill

Water companies understand that people can struggle to pay their bills and fall into debt at times. If this happens to you, contact your water company and explain your situation.

Universal Credit

If you and/or your partner are responsible for paying rent for the home you live in, or if you have a mortgage, Universal Credit may provide help towards the cost.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are state pension age or you're in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation.

Support for additional housing costs

You may be able to get support for additional housing costs if you're already claiming Housing Benefit.

Council Tax Support scheme

We run support schemes to help people on low incomes with their Council Tax bill.

Discretionary housing payment

If you are on certain benefits, you may be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments which provide financial support to help with rent or housing costs.

Help with interest payments on mortgages and loans

If you're a homeowner on qualifying benefits, you might be able to get help towards interest payments on your mortgage or loans you've taken out for certain repairs and improvements to your home.