Essential Living Fund (ELF) Scheme Policy - Southend-on-Sea

What needs which are covered by ELF

Needs which are covered by the Essential Living Fund

  • furniture - such as a bed, settee, armchair, wardrobe, table
  • furnishings - such as carpets, curtains, bedding, curtain poles
  • household equipment - such as a cooker, fridge, washing machine
  • clothing and footwear including school uniform
  • travel costs - visiting a partner, parent or child placed in a hospital or rehabilitation centre outside the borough, assisted by the Dove Project in being placed in a refuge outside the borough
  • 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 for tools 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
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