About the Crisis Resilience Fund
Somerset Council has received £22.66 million from the Department for Work and Pensions, including £1.2 million to help with heating oil costs. This money will be used over three years to help local people who are struggling to afford basic essentials and need urgent help.
The Crisis Resilience Fund is a new initiative from Somerset Council and the Crisis Resilience Fund Alliance. It takes over from the Household Support Fund and is the first local crisis support in England guaranteed for three years. This means we can give reliable help to people who need it most.
The Alliance includes Citizens Advice Somerset (the lead organisation), Age UK Somerset, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), Somerset Community Foundation, Thrive, and other local groups. Together, we want to help people in Somerset feel supported and make sure everyone can get help if they need it.
How to get help
The Crisis Resilience Fund helps Somerset residents who are struggling to pay for basics and need urgent support. It is for people facing sudden financial problems, such as losing income or an unexpected bill.
The fund can help with:
- Food and essential groceries
- Gas and electricity bills
- Other urgent living costs
Citizens Advice Somerset will talk to you about your situation, check what help is available, and help you choose the best option. This might include emergency funding, as well as advice on benefits, debt, or budgeting, to help you feel more stable.
Find out more and apply on the Citizens Advice Somerset website.
More information on the help that is available
- Food Vouchers for Easter Holidays (3 April to 19 April 2026)
Families on free school meals and facing money problems can apply for supermarket vouchers. You will need to show proof of hardship, like a Universal Credit statement, Child Benefit letter, and a bank statement. The application form is on the Citizens Advice Somerset website, or you can phone 0808 278 7842 if you can’t get online. - Help with Heating Oil
If you are struggling to pay for heating oil, you can apply for help. You will need to show you are in financial crisis. Details are on the Citizens Advice Somerset website. - Emergency Financial Help
Citizens Advice Somerset also offers crisis payments, which might be vouchers or goods, for people in urgent need. All information is on their website. - Support with Council Tax and rent
If you cannot pay your Council Tax or rent due to exceptional circumstances, the fund can help. See our Claim a discretionary award page for more information. - Prevention and Advice
The fund also supports ongoing community help, like debt advice and budgeting support, to prevent future crises. For more information, see our Cost of living support for Somerset residents page.