Money, benefits and housing

Advice about money, benefits and housing options

Help with costs

Includes how to claim extra money to help with costs if you are on a low income, are unemployed, a carer or have an illness or disability

Benefits

Includes information about welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy

Housing

Information on how to find somewhere to live and support that might be available

Pages in Help with costs

Somerset Household Support Fund – Help through winter

Financial support for vulnerable households struggling to afford household essentials

Funding for 2-year-olds

Families with 2-year-old children who meet the criteria can apply for funding

Additional household support for Somerset

Additional household support Including help with food, information and advice, help with childcare, and help with bills.

Free school meals

See if your child qualifies for free school meals

Early Years entitlement for parents

All 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to up to 15 hours of funded early education or childcare a week

Getting help with finances

Managing money is essential for taking control of your life

Banking

Support available for looking after your money if you have additional needs.

Budgeting

Information about budgeting and where to go for advice

Personal Budgets and Direct Payments

Money identified to pay for support for a child or young person with special educational needs and/or disability

VAT relief

You may not be charged VAT on products designed or adapted for your disability.

Student discount cards

You can apply for a student discount card if you are at college or university

Food support for families in Somerset

Support is available for families who may be struggling to find food

Money advice

When the money you have is limited, it is really important to keep track of your finances so that you don't spend more than you can afford

Access to Work

Access to Work is a government programme aimed at supporting disabled people to take up or remain in work

Activity passes and discounts

Passes are available to all families in Somerset with a child or young person with a disability or additional need

Somerset Max Card

Making days out more affordable for foster families and children with additional needs

Help with health costs

If you are on a low income, have an illness or disability, unemployed or are a carer, you may be able to claim for extra money to help with your healthcare costs

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Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)

Information about Disabled Students' Allowances and how they can be used

Benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy

Child Tax Credit (including Disability element)

Information about Child Tax Credit and where you can go to find out more

Universal Credit

Information about Universal Credit, a payment to help with your living costs

Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Carers Allowance

Information and guidance about allowance payments you may be able to claim to help with your needs

Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a new benefit to help disabled people live full, active and independent lives

Employment Support Allowance

Universal Credit has replaced Income-based Employment Support Allowance (ESA) in Somerset, unless you are in receipt of Severe Disability Premium

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Homefinder Somerset

Homefinder Somerset is a choice-based lettings scheme for people to apply for social housing in Somerset.

Housing standards

The Private Sector Housing team is here to ensure that the residents of Somerset live in homes that are safe, healthy and appropriate for their needs.

Rent arrears

Take action to deal with rent arrears. You could be evicted if you don't.

Council Tax discounts and exemptions

Find out if you could get a lower Council Tax bill

Somerset Independence Plus

Somerset Independence Plus is a Home Improvement Agency service provided by Somerset Council.

Disabled Facilities Grant

If you or someone living in your property is disabled, you may qualify for a disabled facilities grant towards the costs

Living more independently

Finding a place to live is important because it can give you the confidence to become more independent

Renting somewhere to live

Including renting from a council or housing association, a charity or voluntary organisation, a private landlord or someone you know, like a family member or friend

Owning your home

Including Inheriting or using a family property, Disabled Facilities Grants and Home Ownership for people with Long-term Disabilities (HOLD)