Essential Living Fund

The Essential Living Fund has replaced both Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants.

The Essential Living Fund may be able to provide you with essential items in an emergency such as:

• Furniture and furnishings
• White goods
• Household equipment
• Fuel costs for pay as you go meters
• Clothing and footwear
• General living expenses

The Essential Living Fund is operated as a grant system and if awarded, it will be paid by goods or vouchers.

To be considered for support you must be:

• Aged 16 or over
• In receipt of state benefits or on a low income
• Permanently live in Essex

How to apply

The Essential Living Fund is run by Essex County Council and individual applications are administered by Southend-On-Sea Borough Council for the whole of Essex.

For General Living expenses (e.g. groceries, nappies, toiletries, and fuel) apply by calling 0300 7900124 between 8:45am – 5:15pm.