Part of
Cost of living support for Somerset residents: Step by step

Click "navigate this page" to see the page contents, as well as a full list of the Cost of living support for Somerset residents step by step pages.

Navigate this page

Part of
Cost of living support for Somerset residents: Step by step

You might be able to get support with the cost of food, energy, water, and other essentials

1Local cost of living support

Somerset offers a wide range of support services to help residents and families with everyday needs. Whether you are looking for financial advice, food support, warm spaces, or help during school holidays, there are local organisations and programmes ready to assist.

  1. Community Hubs, Warm Hubs and Talking Cafés and Help4All
  2. Financial, energy and housing support in Somerset
  3. Local food support in Somerset
  4. Support for Somerset families and older people

    2National cost of living help and advice

    Find useful websites, community organisations, advice and guidance to help you through the rising cost of living.

    1. National financial and energy support
    2. National support for Carers and people living with a disability
    3. National cost of living support for families and older people
    4. Additional national cost of living help and support

      Somerset Warm Connections

      If someone is struggling financially, you can refer them for free money advice. To arrange a money advice appointment, please complete the referral using the Somerset Warm Connections Portal.

      Citizens Advice Somerset

      Get help with almost any advice need from the Citizens Advice Somerset website, including:

      • Income maximisation and benefit checks
      • Budgeting, money and debt help
      • Access to grant schemes e.g. fuel poverty
      • Cost of living crisis support

      Families of children who receive free school meals who are going to struggle with the cost of food during the Easter school break (3 April to 19 April 2026) can go to Citizens Advice Somerset’s Easter Holiday Family Support service for help. For further details, visit their website Easter Holiday Family Support – Citizens Advice Somerset.

      For support with the cost of heating oil, a dedicated phoneline has been set up for Somerset residents. Call freephone number 0808 278 7842, select option 3, leave your name and number and one of their advisers will call you back.

      Council Tax Discounts

      For information about Council Tax Discounts, visit our Council Tax discounts and exemptions page.

      Benefits

      Find information about benefits on our Housing Benefits or Council Tax Reduction pages.

      If you apply for Benefits and it is not given, or you are not satisfied with the amount of the benefit or the length of time it has been given, you can request a review of the decision.

      You can also find information on Universal Credit, including how to apply, on our Universal Credit page.

      Discretionary Housing Payments and Exceptional Hardship Payments

      If you already receive benefits and are in financial hardship, you can apply for additional support. Find out more on our Claim a discretionary award page.

      Community loan

      For information on Credit unions, which are community loan providers. Please visit Wyverns or the Credit Unions website.

      Local support from the Centre for Sustainable Energy

      You can reduce your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. This will be particularly important as winter approaches.

      Visit the Centre for Sustainable Energy website for home energy advice. To get in touch with them, phone 0800 082 2234 or visit the Centre for Sustainable Energy Contact us page.

      Last updated: April 2, 2026

      Next review due: October 2, 2026

      Back to top