About the Essential Living Fund
The Essential Living Fund (ELF) is extra help for vulnerable people to live independently.
People who can claim ELF
Anyone can make a claim. The fund is intended to help:
- people live in the community after a stay in a care home, hostel or similar
- people leaving prison and youth offender institutions
- young people leaving council care
- people stay at home instead of a care home or similar to get care
- reduce exceptional pressures on people or their families
- people set up home in the community after an unsettled way of life
- people to care for a prisoner or young offender on temporary release
- people who are unable to meet their needs in an emergency or after a disaster
What you can use the fund for
You can use the fund to buy:
- furniture such as a bed, settee, armchair, wardrobe or table
- furnishings such as carpets, curtains or bedding
- 'white goods' such as a cooker, fridge or washing machine
- household equipment such as cooking utensils and small electrical appliances
- fuel connection or re-connection charges
- clothing and footwear
- general living expenses such as groceries, nappies, toiletries, cleaning or hygiene products, money for pay-as-you-go fuel meters
How we make payment
If we agree to give you the funds, you will be paid through:
- food vouchers
- supermarket vouchers
- AllPay cards
- recycled furniture from a reputable charity
- white goods from a reputable dealer
We don’t pay the grant in cash or into a bank account
Applying
You can apply for an Essential Living Fund online or by telephone.