National cost of living support for families and older people

Information, support and advice from national organisations for families and older adults

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’re 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
  5. Help with basic household essentials

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

3Somerset Household Support Fund crisis vouchers

Providing short-term, crisis vouchers to Somerset residents

  1. What is the Household Support Fund?
  2. Who can apply for the household support fund crisis vouchers

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.

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.

Help with childcare costs

The Government have different schemes to help with childcare costs for parents of toddlers and teens. Check the Childcare Choices website to find out how to claim what you are able to get. For more information visit Childcare Choices – Guidance Zone.

Department for Work and Pensions logo

Funding provided from the Department for Work and Pensions

Last updated: October 3, 2025

Next review due: April 3, 2026

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