Introduction
Somerset families and residents who are struggling during the cost of living crisis could be eligible for support. This support could also include funding towards the cost of food, energy, water and other essentials over the coming months.
Somerset Council will be distributing £6.74m to those in need between April 2025 and March 2026 as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund.
The Household Support Fund programme is funded by Somerset Council. We are working with partners across education and the VCFSE sector to provide essential support to families and residents.
Support for Somerset households
Here are some ways to get help and support.
- Community hub support – The Household Support Fund is supporting a number of existing community hubs to keep doing their fantastic work.
- If you are supporting a family or individual that is struggling with their finances, refer them for free support to help maximise their finances. To arrange for a money advice appointment, please complete the referral using the Somerset Warm Connections Portal.
- We are offering free activities with food across Somerset during the school holidays. A great chance to provide enrichment, new experiences, new friends for you or your family. Visit the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership – Happy Healthy Holidays Programme to find out more.
- Warm hubs are being opened to help vulnerable people during the winter months. Find your nearest Warm Space on the Spark Somerset website or you can find information about Age UK Somerset – Activities and events here.
- You can get help with making the most of your money (income maximisation), welfare checks, advice and managing money, such as help with budgeting on the Citizens Advice Somerset General Advice page.
- Visit a Talking Cafe for advice and support from your local Village Agent on anything that is worrying you, or if you just want a friendly chat.
- Age UK gives some useful support on how to carry out assessments for DWP benefits for older people.
- Find out about food banks in your area, by visiting The Local Pantry Network in Somerset or the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership – Happy Healthy Holidays Programme pages.
Here are some way to access crisis funding.
- Find out whether you are eligible for vouchers to help you pay your gas and electricity or food bills. This includes help towards paying for food and supermarket food vouchers which you can use in all major supermarkets. Visit our Apply for the Somerset Household Support Fund to find out more.
- If you need help with food costs for your children over the school holidays, contact your child’s school office. They will be able to provide further information on how to claim and access your vouchers.
- Visit Help Through Winter – Citizens Advice Somerset for information on Hardship funds for families and residents experiencing fuel and/or fuel poverty. The information also covers funding for school uniform.
Other support for Somerset communities
In addition to the Household Support Fund, the following support is available for Somerset communities:
- Help4All – Information and advice, including food support for families and residents, parenting support, support with isolation and loneliness and more on the Help4All website.
- Libraries – All Somerset libraries have been designated as Warm Welcome Spaces, which means anyone in the community is welcome to come and spend time in the library. Find a local library.
- Pension Credit – Residents are also encouraged to check if they could be eligible for Pension Credit, which provides extra money to help with living costs for people over state pension age and on a low income. Apply online on GOV.UK or phone the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.