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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.

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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

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.

Advice for paying your energy bills

For more information, visit the Citizens Advice Somerset website. You can also phone the Citizens Advice Somerset Freephone Advice Line on 0808 27 87842 between 10 am and 4 pm Monday and Friday, and between 10 am and 8 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Advice if you are in debt and worried about money

The Somerset Financial Well-Being Project gives free financial well-being information to anyone who lives or works in Somerset. Visit Westcountry Savings and Loans – SFWP for more information. Contact them on weekdays between 10 am and 1 pm on 0800 304 7041 or 03300 563994

Advice if you are struggling to pay your water bill

Wessex Water schemes are for anyone struggling to pay their water bill or who has fallen behind paying their water bill. Visit Reduced bill – Assist – Wessex Water for information about how to apply. Contact them by phoning 0345 600 3 600 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm.

Advice if you are struggling to pay household bills, rent or council tax

Citizen’s Advice Somerset can advise you on grants and benefits you may be able to get. Visit Citizens Advice – Get help with bills for more information.

Phone Somerset Adviceline on 0808 27 87842 between 10 am and 4 pm on weekdays.

Clients who are deaf or hard of hearing can phone the Citizens Advice Text Relay service on 03444 111 445.

Last updated: October 3, 2025

Next review due: April 3, 2026

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