Get help with money, housing and benefits
If you are worried about money, housing costs or benefits, support is available. You can get advice on managing bills, claiming benefits, reducing debt, finding housing support and accessing emergency help.
This page brings together local and national organisations that can help.
Get advice and support
Talking Cafés
Visit a Talking Café to get advice, find local support or have a friendly chat with a Village Agent.
Talking Cafés can help with:
- Caring responsibilities
- Housing
- Health
- Money and finances
- Food support
- Adult social care
- Children’s services
- Loneliness and isolation
You can also talk about any other concerns or challenges you are facing.
You do not need to book.
#Help4All
#Help4All offers advice and support for families and individuals, including help with food, parenting, loneliness, and more.
Benefits and Council Tax support
Council Tax discounts and exemptions
You may be able to pay less Council Tax depending on your circumstances.
Find out about Council Tax discounts and exemptions.
Housing benefit
Housing Benefit helps eligible people pay their rent.
Find out:
- Who can apply
- How to make a claim
- How to request a review if you disagree with a decision
Council Tax reduction
If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be able to get help paying your Council Tax. The amount you receive depends on your income, savings and household circumstances.
Find out about Council Tax Reduction and how to apply.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit helps with living costs if you:
- Have a low income
- Are out of work
- Cannot work
Find information about Universal Credit and how to apply.
Benefits calculator
Use this free and independent GOV.UK benefits calculator to check what financial support you could get.
The calculator can show:
- The benefits you could get
- How much your benefit payments could be
- How your benefits will be affected if you start work or increase your hours
- How your benefits will be affected if your circumstances change – for example, if you have a child or move in with your partner
Help if you are struggling financially
Discretionary Housing Payments and Exceptional Hardship Payments
If you already receive benefits and are in financial hardship, you may be able to get extra support.
Find out how to claim a discretionary award.
Credit unions and community loans
Credit unions offer affordable loans and savings accounts.
Find your local credit union through Wyvern Credit Union or the Credit Unions website.
Support for mortgage interest
If you are a homeowner on qualifying benefits, you might be able to get help towards interest payments on your mortgage or loans you have taken out for certain repairs and improvements to your home.
Find out about Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) on GOV.UK
Help with household bills
Money and debt advice
If you are struggling with your finances and not sure where to start, West County Savings and Loans may be able to help you get back on track. For more information visit their Financial Well-being page.
Contact them on weekdays between 10am and 1pm on 0800 304 7041 or 03300 563994
Water bill support
Wessex Water schemes are for anyone struggling to pay their water bill or who has fallen behind paying their water bill.
Find out about Wessex Water bill support.
Contact them by phoning 0345 600 3 600 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm.
Help with rent and Council tax payments
Citizen’s Advice Somerset can advise you on grants and benefits you may be able to get.
Get help with bills from Citizen Advice.
Phone the Somerset Adviceline on 0808 27 87842 between 10am and 4pm on weekdays.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the Citizens Advice Text Relay service on 03444 111 445.