Main content
Emergency support is available from Essex County Council for people hit by the Covid pandemic.
Essex County Council announced in November 2020, that the Essential Living Fund (ELF) is part of a £6.2m blanket of support for Essex residents hit by the effects of Covid.
The ELF is available for people living in Essex to help with energy and water bills, food and other essential household items.
Essex County Council wants to make sure that anyone who might be struggling and need emergency support knows where they can go for help.
How to apply
To get a grant you must:
- Live in Essex, Southend or Thurrock
- Be aged over 16
Visit: www.southend.gov.uk/elfforessex
Call: 0300 7900124 (between 8:45am – 5:00pm)
Support those families who need it most
Cllr Louise McKinlay, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Essex County Council said:
Winter can be tough at the best of times and every penny counts for families at Christmas. Clearly, this year more than ever, people are struggling financially or emotionally due to the pandemic. So, we are using all the resources we can to put a protective blanket of winter support around those families who need it most.
The whole council is behind this effort to support those who are struggling this winter, with help to heat their home, put food on the table and assist with key bills. We will do all we can for our vulnerable families.
Keep up to date
Keep in touch with our latest news, service updates and reports.