Cost of living advice and guidance

The government can provide:

• support with your income
• help with your bills
• help with childcare costs
• housing support
• help with transport costs
• help finding work

Cost of living payments

If you have any queries regarding the cost of living payments the GOV.UK factsheet is a good place to start. There is also a British Sign Language version on YouTube with information on the cost of living payment.

If you are unsure about what help is available to you, the Worrying About Money? questionnaire can guide you.

By answering a few simple questions about your current situation anonymously, it will give you contact details of local services that offer free and confidential advice.

Citizens advice North Somerset can offer help and advice if you:

• are worried about an energy bill
• are struggling to pay an energy bill
• are having problems topping up your prepayment meter
• have been told your energy supply will be disconnected
• want to know how to get extra support from your energy provider

The Centre of Sustainable Energy have produced some helpful leaflets on energy advice and fuel poverty. They range from condensation and damp advice to low cost lighting options and understanding energy bills. These resources can be found on The Centre of Sustainable Energy website.

If you were an eligible household who pays council tax by direct debit, or a non-direct debit payer who submitted a successful application, you will have received your payment. This will be clearly marked as ‘N.SOMERSET REFUND’ on your bank statement.

Where no application was received or we couldn’t verify your bank account details, the payment of £150 was credited to your council tax account on 29 June 2022.

In addition to the mandatory energy support for bands A to D properties, the government has provided limited funding to councils to operate a discretionary energy rebate fund. This is for households in financial need who would not otherwise be eligible for the energy rebate. 

We expect to open an application process for the discretionary scheme from the beginning of July.

Short term financial help

The welfare provision scheme can give you short term financial help in a crisis. The amount of help that can be given will depend on your circumstances.

Support for homelessness

If you are homeless, or worried about becoming homeless, there is support available for you. The earlier you contact us, the more we can do to help.

Mental health support

Worrying about money or unemployment can have a big impact on your mental health and wellbeing. A variety of agencies are here to support you.

Food banks

If you’re struggling with not having enough money to buy food, you may be able to get support from a food bank.