Benefits help and advice

Visit the GOV.UK cost of living support webpage to find information and support for the cost of living including income support, help with your bills, help with childcare costs and more. 

Welfare Rights Service

Our Welfare Rights Service provides free, confidential, independent and impartial advice and information on welfare benefits to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council residents.

We recognise that individuals must make their own decisions and we aim to provide individuals with the information to be able to exercise their rights.

Acting on your behalf

If you have recently had a social security benefit claim turned down and are appealing against this, we may be able to act on your behalf if you are referred to us by any of the following: 

• a Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council service, for example:
  • Adult or Children's Services
  • Blue Badge Customer Services
  • Housing Options
  • Revenues and Benefits Service
• Stockton and District Advice and Information Service
• your MP
• your Ward Councillor

If you are receiving a service from any of the agencies listed above, ask your key worker to make a referral to us.

Contact us if you are a member of the armed forces community, including dependent families (regular personnel, reservists, veterans, bereaved).

Contact Welfare Rights

Phone: 01642 526141 (Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm or Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm)

Stockton District Advice and Information Service (SDAIS)

SDAIS (Citizens Advice Bureau) can provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to anyone on their rights and responsibilities.

For further information contact Stockton District Advice and Information Service.

Advice Line: 03442 451 295

For mobiles: 0300 330 0650

For appointments: 01642 633877

Visit the Stockton and District Advice and Information Service website.

Stockton Welfare Advice Network (SWAN)

Stockton Welfare Advice Network provides free information on a range of issues affecting people living in the Borough, including information on benefits.

Visit the SWAN website for further information on the service.

Tax Help for Older People

Tax Help for Older People provide independent free tax advice for older people on low incomes who cannot afford to pay for professional advice.

Visit the Tax Help for Older People website for further information.

Age UK Teesside

Age UK Teesside can help you complete claim forms including:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer's Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Council Tax Support
• Disability Living Allowance

Visit the Age UK website for further information.

Tees Credit Union

Tees Credit Union provides convenient and easy access to basic financial services, like savings accounts and loans to people who live or work in the Borough.

Visit the Tees Credit Union website for further information.

Thirteen tenants

Thirteen can help you to claim the benefits you are entitled to, deal with debt and manage your money. They can help you to:

• claim the benefits you are entitled to
• deal with benefit problems
• deal with debt problems
• manage your money and budget for the things you need

Visit the Thirteen website for further information.

North Star tenants

North Star has Welfare Benefits Officers who can help you look at ways to maximise your income and assist you with any benefit queries.

Visit the North Star website for further information.

Online resources

Benefit calculator

The GOV.UK Benefit calculator will help you work out your benefits. You can also use the calculator to work out how much you would be entitled to if your circumstances changed.

Household Benefit cap

The benefit cap is a limit on the total amount of benefit you can get. It applies to most people aged 16 or over who have not reached State Pension age.

Visit the GOV.UK Benefit cap webpage for information on how it may affect your benefit claim.