What needs which are covered by ELF
Needs which are covered by the Essential Living Fund
- furniture - bed, mattress (and delivery costs)
- furnishings - bedding
- household equipment - cooker, fridge, microwave (including delivery costs)
- clothing and footwear
- general living expenses - these are day to day living expenses such as groceries, nappies, toiletries, cleaning/hygiene products, money for fuel costs
Needs which are not covered by the Essential Living Fund
- maternity expenses as covered by the Sure Start Maternity Grant which is designed to pay for the immediate needs of a new baby
- funeral expenses as covered by the Funeral Payment regulated element of the Social Fund Scheme
- needs and costs which the Local Authority has a statutory duty to meet, for example the Disabled Facilities Grant
- repairs and improvements (both the cost of materials and labour) to the dwelling occupied as the home, including any garage, garden and outbuilding
- a need which occurs outside the UK
- an educational or training need including clothing and tools
- distinctive school uniform or sports clothes for use at school or equipment to be used at school
- travelling expenses (visiting a partner, parent or child placed in a hospital or rehabilitation centre outside the area are covered)
- expenses in connection with court (legal proceedings) such as legal fees, court fees, fines, costs, damages, subsistence or travelling expenses
- removal or storage charges
- domestic assistance and respite care
- a medical, surgical, optical, aural or dental item or service
- work related expenses
- debts to government departments
- investments
- costs of purchasing, renting or installing a telephone and of any call charges
- Council Tax and rent
This list is not exhaustive.