Find out about changes to our services and Christmas opening times on our Festive information page. To find out when your bin will be collected over the festive period, visit Changes to County Durham bin collections at Christmas.

Due to maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 11.45am on Tuesday 24 December until 8.00am on Thursday 2 January: our online Council Tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

How much you will have to pay for care and support services

There is usually a cost for care and support services unlike health care which is free to everyone at the point of delivery.

You may find it useful to get advice from an independent financial adviser or an independent organisation. Locate can help you search for local independent financial advisers.

Pay your council invoice online

You can also take your invoice to any Post Office or PayPoint outlet where it can be scanned and you can make a payment.

How much you will have to pay

The amount you will have to pay depends on the help you need and the income and savings you have.

Currently:

If you have income and savings of more than £23,250 you will need to pay the full cost of your care.
If your income and savings are between £14,250 and £23,250 you will need to make a contribution.
If you have less than £14,250 you may not have to pay anything.

Understanding your care charges

Depending on the type of care and support you're eligible for, different charges may apply:

Our charging policies:

Help and advice with your benefits

Contact Welfare Rights for help and advice about any problems.

For additional support and advice with benefit checks and what you may be eligible to claim, visit Citizens Advice: benefits or Age UK: Benefits and entitlements.