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

To get a grant you must live in Essex and be aged over 16.  Visit Essential Living Fund and select the area relevant to you: Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council or Essex County Council. If you are vulnerable or have no access to the internet call 0300 7900 124 (calls charged at standard rate).

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.

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