What's changed
New and changing schemes in the North East, newest first. Every update is checked by a person before it goes up.
1 October 2026
Warm Home Discount confirmed at £150 for winter 2026/27
The Warm Home Discount is £150 again this winter, and more people now qualify: anyone on Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or income-related ESA on 23 August 2026. In England, most people get it automatically.
See the scheme1 September 2026
Free school meals for every family on Universal Credit
From September 2026, every child in a household getting Universal Credit can get free school meals, whatever the family earns. You still need to apply through your school or council.
See the scheme6 April 2026
Healthy Start payments went up
From 6 April 2026, Healthy Start is £4.65 a week in pregnancy and for each child aged 1 to 3, and £9.30 a week for each baby under 1.
See the scheme1 April 2026
More households can get Northumbrian Water's discount
From April 2026, households earning up to £30,000 (up from £26,000) can apply for up to 50% off their water bill.
See the scheme1 April 2026
Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund
Since 1 April 2026, councils give emergency help through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which runs until March 2029. It replaced the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments. Each council runs it differently, so check your council page.
See the scheme