Assistance with rent

You may be able to claim housing benefit towards your rent if you are over 16, earning a low wage or on benefits. Even if you are working you may be able to claim housing benefits, most young people (especially when renting private accommodation) do not get enough housing benefit to cover all their rent and have to make up the difference from their own money. These rules are the same for anyone who claims housing benefit. However, there are also some extra restrictions for young people and students.

More information about Council rent, what’s included and how to pay.

Housing benefit is paid by local councils to people on benefits or low incomes to help pay their rent. The rules about how much housing benefit you may get are complicated, but you can find out how much you are likely to get before you take on a private tenancy.
More information.

Use this online calculator to work out how much you could be receiving in Housing Benefit

For more information about the different types of benefits and how to claim them visit the Department of Work and Pensions website.
Or Shelter.

Assistance with Council Tax

A separate Council Tax benefit is available to help with the payment of Council Tax. Seek advice as soon as possible from The Housing Company’s Benefits Advice team, telephone (0191) 433 5484 or contact the Benefits Department at Gateshead Council; telephone (0191 4333 000) or visit Gateshead Council's Website or visit the department for work and pensions website.

The Social Fund Crisis Loan

People can only receive a Crisis Loan if there is no other way of preventing a serious risk to their health or safety or their family's health or safety. Contact the local Department for Social Security (DSS) for more information, telephone 0191 220 4000 or visit www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits.

Budgeting Loans

Budgeting Loans are for people getting Income Support. They are to help them pay for something they need, but are not able to afford at that time. Contact the local DSS for more information, telephone 0191 220 4000 or visit www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits.

Avoiding debt

When you're young, the last thing you want is to get into debt. Not paying bills could result in visits from bailiffs, being thrown out of your home or your power, water and phone being cut off.

To avoid this, try to budget what you spend each week.  The secret of successful budgeting is planning and being realistic about the true cost of running your own home and paying for all the necessities.

If you get into debt, seek advice immediately. A number of organisations can help including the Citizens Advice Bureau, telephone 0844 848 7990 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Assistance with Children
If you have children you will be able to claim Child Benefit; tax credits and working tax credits (if you work). Having these benefits may lead to other benefits such as free milk and vitamins, free school meals and others. For more information please visit www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/famchild