Essential Living Fund (ELF) is part of the Social Fund scheme through Southend Borough Council.

The Council deals with claims for community care grants and crisis loans for general living expenses.

The ELF team at Southend on Sea Borough Council are responsible for the administration of applications for all of Essex. The ELF scheme is operated as a grant system and is open for anyone to claim.

In order to establish eligibility for the award income, earnings and savings are assessed and proof of financial situation is required. The grants are not paid in cash or direct in to a bank account, but instead it is paid through food vouchers or supermarket vouchers, AllPay cards, provision of high quality recycled furniture from a reputable charity or provision of white goods from a reputable local dealer.

People in Thurrock Council and Essex County Council areas can also apply via the Southend website. Application forms can be downloaded online. See website for more information.