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ECC: Crisis and Resilience Fund

A crisis payment could be awarded where you have experienced financial shock, which is a sudden, unexpected expense or drop in income, that can place pressure on your budget and wellbeing. Examples of financial shock include: disasters that result in significant damage/loss to possessions or property; accident, health emergency or mental health crisis; experiencing domestic abuse and leaving an abusive relationship; when settling in the community after a period of unsettlement ie homelessness; breakage of an essential item; a short term drop in regular income.

ECC: Crisis and Resilience Fund was formerly known as ECC: Essential Living Fund on Frontline. To see whether you qualify for the award you will need to answer questions about your income, earnings, savings, expenses and debts. You also need to give proof of your financial situation.

Where you fit the criteria to claim, the scheme can cover applications for:

  • food and hygiene products
  • water charges
  • fuel/energy costs
  • essential furniture (such as bed, sofa, storage)
  • household furnishings (curtains, bedding)
  • essential white goods (such as cooker, fridge, washing machine)
  • clothing
  • food and hygiene products
  • digital and connectivity essentials such as broadband or phone bills

If you are awarded the grant, you will receive your award by one or more of the following:

  • PostOffice Payout scheme
  • AllPay card
  • High quality recycled furniture from a reputable charity
  • White goods from a reputable charity
If you live in Essex (excluding the City of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Council areas), find out more and apply HERE.
 
If you live within the Thurrock Borough, find out more and apply HERE.
 
If you live within the City of Southend-on-Sea, find out more and apply HERE.
 

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 aged18 or over (if you are aged 16 to 17 you may be able to claim if you meet the qualifying criteria).

For full eligibility criteria visit our website: HERE

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 Essential Living Fund Crisis and Resilience Fund financial shock hygiene products water charges energy costs digital essentials connectivity essentials crisis payment ECC: Essential Living Fund Emergency Support

ECC: Crisis and Resilience Fund

SELCF@southend.gov.uk

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County Hall
Chelmsford
CM1 1LX

Service can be delivered by phone, video or email Service can be delivered face to face




Service last updated 16/01/2026
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