What are the Household Support Fund crisis vouchers?

The Household Support Fund crisis vouchers provide short-term, urgent financial help to Somerset residents who cannot afford household essentials

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 are 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

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

3Vouchers for residents in crisis

Providing short-term, crisis vouchers to Somerset residents

  1. What are the Household Support Fund crisis vouchers?
  2. Who can apply for the Household Support Fund crisis vouchers

Overview

If you are struggling to afford basic household items like food or energy bills (including prepayment meters), Auriga crisis vouchers offer short-term financial help.

This programme is funded by Somerset Council via the Household Support Fund, and we are working with schools and local community organisations to make sure families and residents get the help they need.

This fund is paid for by the Department for Work and Pensions. You can learn more  on the GOV.UK website. The funding available is limited. We will try to help as many households in need as possible.

Each household can apply once per funding round. If you have applied before and your situation has not changed, you can still get support.

important

You must meet the person and circumstance criteria to be eligible for the fund.

Applications must be made online.

What the fund will cover

The Household Support Fund gives help through vouchers, not cash or direct payments to your bank.

The vouchers can help with Food. You will get supermarket vouchers that work in all major stores. They are valid for six months from the date you receive them.

What the fund does not cover

The fund does not pay for:

  • Debt repayments
  • Cash payments
  • Rent or housing costs
  • Phone bills
  • Non-essential items (like TVs or some furniture)

What happens after you apply

  • Your application will be reviewed by the team at Auriga (the organisation who distribute the vouchers for us).
  • You will get an email letting you know if your application is approved.
  • If approved, the email will explain what support you will get and how you will receive it.
Vouchers will be sent within 24 hours of approval.

Food and energy vouchers are reviewed within 10 working days.

If your application is declined

Unfortunately, you may not have met the criteria at this time. You can reapply if your situation changes and the funding window is still open.

Alternative support is also available.

Fraud warning

important

If someone gives false information to get support, Somerset Council may investigate.
This could lead to criminal charges under the Theft Act 1968.

Last updated: October 20, 2025

Next review due: April 20, 2026

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