Criteria
You don’t need to be on benefits to apply, and getting support won’t affect any benefits you already receive.
To apply, you must:
- Live in Somerset (not North Somerset)
- Be 16 or older and living independently
- Have a household income between:
- £0 and £1,610 per month, or
- £0 and £19,320 per year (This includes most income and benefits, but not Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Housing Benefit, or the housing part of Universal Credit)
- Be able to provide ID
Applications can be made online only
You can apply if you
- are out of work (temporarily or long-term)
- can’t work due to illness or disability
- have a chronic illness or severe learning or physical disability that affects your day-to-day life
- are on Pension Credit
- use mental health services (or someone in your household does)
- are a carer
- are pregnant
- have a child with a special diet, chronic illness, or disability
- are or were a child in care, or a care leaver
- get support from Children’s or Adult Social Care
- are fleeing domestic abuse
- are homeless and in temporary housing
- are a refugee
- are a foster carer, kinship carer, or special guardian of a Somerset child and need urgent help
You can apply if you’re struggling to pay for essentials—no matter your work situation.
You cannot apply if
You have savings of over £2,000
If you don’t qualify, there is other support available.