Help on a low income towards essentials such as food, energy, hygiene products, clothing, furniture, appliances, travel and urgent housing costs.
Phone the Home and Money Team on 0191 520 5551. A staff member fills in the application with you. Send any evidence they ask for within two working days.
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.sunderland.gov.uk/housing-benefit
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.sunderland.gov.uk/article/39462/CRF-Crisis-Payments
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.sunderland.gov.uk/article/33734/Help-with-food-and-food-costs
Run by Local charities · Last checked 8 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.sunderland.gov.uk
Run by Your local council · Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Up to half off your water bill if it's a big part of your income.
Worth: Up to 50% off your water bill
Apply through Northumbrian Water's Support Plus page, or ring 0345 733 5566 if you're struggling to pay.
https://www.nwl.co.uk/supportplus · 0345 733 5566
Run by Northumbrian Water · 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.sunderland.gov.uk/housing-benefit
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.sunderland.gov.uk
Run by Councils, libraries and community groups · Last checked 8 Oct 2026
We're still checking local places for this area. The council pages above have the latest lists.
Details checked against Sunderland Council's website on 12 October 2026.