After you have applied
You will be notified by letter if your application is successful. The letter will include all details on how your grant will be paid.
For furniture awards
In the Southend-on-Sea area the award letter will have more information on how to get the items and what you need to take with you to get your items.
In the Thurrock and Essex County Council areas the provider will contact you.
For white good awards
In all areas, the provider will contact you.
AllPay cards
An AllPay card is similar to a Mastercard debit card. An amount of credit will already be loaded onto the card. The card can be used in any store that accepts MasterCard. The card should only to be used to buy the items you applied for.
You must not give the card or PIN to any other person. This will be classed as misuse of the card and you will not receive further help from the scheme.
You cannot use the card:
- at a cash machine (ATM) to withdraw cash to receive cash back
- in petrol stations
- in off licenses
- in gambling establishments
- to attempt to purchase cigarettes, alcohol or petrol
The card will automatically be blocked if you do and you won't be able to claim from the scheme again.
If you have been awarded for groceries, this is for food (and hygiene products) for you and your family. It cannot be spent on takeaways or pet food. This would also be seen as misuse of the card.
Please keep your receipts so you can add up what you are spending as you go along. It is a requirement to keep your receipts as you may be asked for these at a later date.
The card is only valid for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks the card will be cancelled and made invalid. Any money left on the card will be refunded back to the Essential Living Fund scheme.
Further information
For more information please view the relevant policy: