Financial help

If you are looking for financial assistance to make your home more energy efficient or to reduce the amount of money you pay for your energy bills, a range of options could be available to you.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy

The Centre for Sustainable Energy is supported by Somerset Council and provides a free home energy advice line to people across Somerset. The CSE provides expert help on energy efficiency improvements, improving heating, lowering fuel bills and financial assistance that is available.

If you are unsure if you are suitable for any of the grants listed. The CSE , who administer a lot of these on behalf of Somerset Council, can help you find out if you are eligible.

For more information
Website: Centre for Sustainable Energy
Email: safeandwarmsomerset@cse.org.uk
Phone: 0800 038 5730

Cold Weather Payment

Somerset residents could be entitled to extra support to keep warm following the recent cold snap.

The recent sub-zero weather means households across the region could be entitled to cold weather payments and additional support to keep warm.

In response to the cold weather, Somerset Council is reminding households that they could be eligible to receive £25 for each seven-day period of “very cold weather” between 1 November and 31 March.

Find out more and check your eligibility: Cold Weather Payments

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023 under the Government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme. The discount is available for low-income households this winter.

Find out more and check your eligibility: GOV.UK – Warm Home Discount Scheme

Safe, Warm and Secure Grants

Safe, Warm and Secure Grants let eligible households access financial assistance of up to £15,000 towards essential works including energy improvements.

This is available to households who are in receipt of means tested benefits or on low income.

For more information
Website: Financial Assistance
Phone: 0300 123 2224

Low interest loans

Council loans of up to £25,000 are available through Lendology. Subject to affordability, they can be used to fund home improvements including renewable energy measures and works to improve energy efficiency.

More information
Website: Lendology
Phone: 0182 346 1099

Disabled Facilities Grants

Disabled Facilities Grants are available to individuals with disabilities, following a referral from an Occupational Therapist.

These grants are subject to means-testing and can fund changes to your home such as stairlifts and walk-in showers. Heating and energy works can also be included in the grants to help make sure people with disabilities are safe in their home.

Please see our Disabled Facilities Grants information for further advice.

To request an assessment from an Occupational Therapist, telephone 0300 123 2224.

Somerset Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund is a Government funded scheme run by Somerset Council. It is designed to provide short-term urgent financial help to people living in Somerset who are struggling to afford household essentials such as buying food, paying for energy and water bills and other items such as beds and white goods.

Please see our Somerset Household Support Fund information for further advice.

Government Help for Households

The Government is offering support to households to help with the cost of living including income, energy bills, childcare, housing, transport, work and discounted shopping.

For more information
Website: Help for Households

Housing and utility benefits

Check you are receiving all of the benefits you might be entitled to and ask for help if you need it. You may be entitled to further assistance if you are on a low income, have a disability or have caring responsibilities. A small additional income could make a big difference as energy prices increase.

Find out what you could be entitled to by using a free benefits calculator
Website: Entitled To Benefits Calculator

Home Upgrade Grant scheme

The Home Upgrade Grant scheme is available to people in Somerset with homes that don’t have mains gas fuelled heating.

Working with the Centre for Sustainable Energy, Somerset Council is using the funding to improve the homes of low-income households without mains gas that may be reliant on alternatives such as bottled gas and oil to heat their homes.

The grants will pay for energy efficiency measures such as wall and roof insulation, as well as new low-carbon heating systems, solar panels, thermostats and room heating controls.

Eligible residents will need to be owner-occupiers, off mains gas, on a low income (in receipt of means-tested benefits or have a gross annual household income under £30,000) and have a property with an EPC rated D or below.

For more information
Website: Centre for Sustainable Energy – Home Upgrade Grant
Email: safeandwarmsomerset@cse.org.uk
Phone: 0800 038 5730

Citizens Advice Somerset

Citizens Advice is an independent charity providing free, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, debt, money and housing. The Citizens Advice team will be able to advise on grants and benefits available to help you pay your energy bills and how to approach your energy supplier and Ofgem for further advice.

For more information see the Citizens Advice Somerset website or telephone 0808 27 87 842.