ECC: Essential Living Fund

If you find yourself in need of some help this winter, the Essential Living Fund can help pay for heating, electricity, water and food. We can also help you get essential household items like a fridge, cooker or table.

The scheme can cover applications for:

furniture
household furnishings
white goods
clothing and footwear - including School Uniform in exceptional circumstances
general living expenses - these are day to day living expenses such as groceries, nappies, toiletries and fuel.

If you are awarded the grant you will not be paid in cash or into a bank account. Instead it will be:

food parcel / food voucher
AllPay cards
high quality recycled furniture from reputable charity
white goods from a reputable local dealer

If you live in Essex (excluding the City of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Council areas), use this online form

If you live within the Thurrock Borough, use this online form

If you live within the City of Southend-on-Sea, use this online form

To see whether you qualify for the award you will need to answer questions about your income, earnings and savings. You also need to give proof of your financial situation.

Who can use this service?

How are services delivered?

This service is available to anyone on a low income who lives in Essex and is aged over 16. Assessment is based on the resources available to the applicant.

See above. Through a non-cash grant system, in the form of an AllPay card (similar to a Mastercard debit card with credit loaded on to the card).

Emergency Fund Emergency Living Fund food fuel assistance low income poverty heating electricity gas winter furniture appliance white goods bills clothing furnishings Emergency Support

elfforessex@southend.gov.uk

0300 790 0124

County Hall
Chelmsford
CM1 1LX

Service can be delivered by phone, video or email

Service last updated 16/01/2026

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