Help with essential household items such as white goods, beds and carpets. The council says other crisis help is coming soon.
Email crf@hartlepool.gov.uk or phone 01429 266522.
A cut in your council tax bill if you're on a low income. Pensioners on low incomes can get the whole bill covered.
Worth: Up to your full council tax bill
Apply to your council. It isn't automatic, even if you get Universal Credit.
https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/benefits-support/can-get-local-council-tax-support
Run by Your council · Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Emergency help from your council when something goes wrong and you can't cover essentials like food, heating or a broken cooker.
Worth: Varies by council
Contact your council's crisis support team. The phone number and how to apply are on your council page.
https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/benefits-support/crisis-resilience-fund-housing-payment-scheme
Run by Your council · Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Emergency food and low-cost food clubs near you.
Worth: Free or low-cost food
See your council's list of food support, or ask Citizens Advice for a referral.
https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/benefits-support/hardship-advice-support-residents
Run by Local charities · Last checked 8 Oct 2026
Help with your water bill if you live in Hartlepool and have a water meter and get certain benefits.
Worth: Varies
See Hartlepool Water's tariffs page on the Anglian Water website, or contact them about help paying.
https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/account-and-bill/tariffs-and-charges/hartlepool-water/
Run by Hartlepool Water (Anglian Water) · Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Free activities and a healthy meal for children in the school holidays.
Worth: Free sessions
Book through your council's HAF page.
https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk
Run by Your local council · Last checked 13 Oct 2026
25% off council tax if you are the only adult living in your home.
Worth: 25% off council tax
Tell your council online or by phone.
https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/benefits-support/can-get-local-council-tax-support
Run by Your local council · Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Free, warm places to spend the day, often with a hot drink.
Worth: Free
Just turn up. Your council lists places and times.
https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/benefits-support/hardship-advice-support-residents
Run by Councils, libraries and community groups · Last checked 8 Oct 2026
We're still checking local places for this area. Your council website has the latest list.
Details checked against Hartlepool Council's website on 13 October 2026.