ECC: Essential Living Fund
If you find yourself in need of some help, you can claim from the 1 April 2026 if you need help to establish in the community after a period of unsettlement, or you need help to remain in the community rather than enter into unsettlement.
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 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).
SELCF@southend.gov.uk
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County Hall
Chelmsford
CM1 1LX
