The Council has launched a new round of the Household Support Fund (HSF) from April 2025 to 31 March 2026, providing urgent support to vulnerable households struggling with the cost of essentials.
Funded by the Government, this latest round totals £2,490,509.48 and is designed to help those in financial crisis with food, energy, and other basic household needs.
£250,000 of the funding has been ringfenced specifically to support pensioner households facing rising living costs.
The fund will provide immediate crisis support to households in the greatest need as well as help prevent vulnerable residents from falling into, or further into, crisis by offering practical help when it matters most.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "We're committed to helping those most in need, and this new round of funding will allow us to continue delivering urgent support to our residents, including setting aside funds especially for pensioners.
"Last financial year, we supported 391 pensioner households with over £116,000 in direct payments, less than half of what we had set aside, but we will maintain the same funding this year to ensure we have a robust safety net.
"By working with partners like the Essential Living Fund team, Citizens Advice Southend and Southend Emergency Fund, we are making sure this support gets to those who need it most. This is about supporting struggling households quickly and fairly."
Cllr Maxine Sadza, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities, added: "This fund is a lifeline for many households across our city who are facing real hardship. Whether it's help with food, energy bills or other essentials, this support can prevent a crisis from becoming a catastrophe.
"We're proud to be working closely with trusted partners to reach those in need with care, dignity and compassion."
The council's local welfare provision, the Essential Living Fund (ELF), will manage the bulk of the distribution. Pensioners and other eligible residents can apply for grants to cover essential living costs, including white goods like fridges or washing machines to help reduce long-term energy bills.
As with previous rounds, the council is working with trusted partners including Citizens Advice Southend and the Southend Emergency Fund, to distribute a portion of the fund through local charities and support groups, ensuring help reaches a broad range of residents, including carers and disabled individuals.
Applications for support
Southend-on-Sea City Council has a dedicated webpage for pensioners and other eligible residents to apply for Household Support Fund help, including full details on how to apply and the criteria. Residents can also apply through partner organisations.
Information about the fund will also be made available at local GP surgeries, family hubs, and community centres to ensure accessibility for those who are not online.