Introduction
The rising cost of living is affecting everybody across Somerset in lots of different ways. We want to support those most affected, including those who may not have faced financial challenges in their lives before.
On this page, you can find useful websites, community organisations, advice and guidance to help you through the rising cost of living. If you need help, contact us or one of the organisations below.
National support
Energy bills support scheme
The government will give every household in the country a discount of £400 off their electricity bill, via the Energy Bills Support Scheme. This discount will be automatically applied to your energy account for over 6 months.
The National Energy Price Guarantee
The government has set out decisive action to support people and businesses with their energy bills and tackle the root causes of the issues in the UK energy market through increased supply, ensuring the country is not left in the same position again. More information can be found on the GOV.UK Energy Price Guarantee website.
National Cold Weather Payment
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you are getting certain benefits. The Winter Fuel Payment is usually paid automatically in November or December if you are eligible.
National support with interest payments on mortgages or loans
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. For more information, visit GOV.UK Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
National Cost of Living Payments
Households on means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year. This will be made automatically in two instalments, one in the summer and another in autumn. To check if you are eligible, visit the Cost of living support factsheet.
Support for Carers
Support for Carers information
Somerset Carers
Caring for another person is very rewarding, but can be overwhelming and lonely at times. You can receive support from Somerset Carers for free if you are over 18 and you look after someone in an ‘unpaid’ caring capacity (not employed or self-employed as a Carer). To find out more, visit - Free support and information for Carers just like you – Somerset Carers.
Carer’s Allowance
You could get £69.70 a week if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and the person you care for gets certain benefits. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. To check if you are eligible, visit Carer’s Allowance.
Disability Cost of Living Payments (Carers)
Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport. This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means-tested benefits. To check if you are eligible, visit the Cost of living support factsheet.
Support for people living with a disability
Support for people living with a disability information
Disability Cost of Living Payments
Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport. This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means-tested benefits. To check if you are eligible, visit the Cost of living support factsheet.
Disability Benefits for autistic adults
Some benefits are paid to meet basic living costs, some are paid for specific expenses such as rent, and other benefits are paid if you meet certain criteria such as being in full-time work. Find out more at National Autistic Society – Benefits for autistic adults.
Cost of living advice for people with learning disabilities
Concessionary bus passes (Disability)
If you live in England and you have a disability, then you may be eligible for a concessionary bus pass. Apply for a concessionary bus pass.
Support for families
Childcare costs, Healthy start vouchers, maternity costs and family fund
Help with family childcare costs
You may be eligible for funding to help with your childcare costs. Funding is available for 2 to 4-year-olds if you meet the eligibility criteria. Find out about the various funding options and whether your child is eligible.
Claim Healthy Start family vouchers
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be able to get help to buy healthy food and milk. To find out more, visit Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start).
Get help with family maternity costs
You could claim a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. To find out more, visit Sure Start Maternity Grant.
Family Fund
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. To find out more, visit Family Fund.
Support for older people
Information for older people
Pension Credit for those on a low income
You could get extra money to help with your living costs if you are over State Pension age and on a low income, even if you have savings or own your own home. Check if you are eligible for a Pension Credit.
Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
In the winter months, pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills. This winter, they will also receive an extra £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment per household, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment. Check if you are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment.
Additional help and support
Benefits calculator, NHS prescriptions and mental health support
Benefits Calculator
You can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to. This will give you an estimate of:
- 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
Free NHS Prescriptions
You may be able to get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and help with other NHS costs. Use the NHS tool to see what help you could get.
Mental Health Support
If you are an adult living in Somerset and experiencing difficulties with your mental health, we are here to help. Open Mental Health offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that anyone struggling with poor mental health can access the right support at the right time.
Mindline is a confidential listening service which provides a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress. You can phone Mindline on 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.