Menu
Here we have listed information which could be useful to you when looking for Cost of Living support. If you’re an organisation who offers Cost of Living support please add your free listing on The Essex Map homepage. When developing your Cost of Living listing ensure you select the cost of living category and tag to make it easier for our users to find your listing.
Britain is facing its biggest cost of living crisis in decades. Citizens Advice has seen more people coming to us for help with crisis support, energy problems and not having enough money to make ends meet than ever before. In this dashboard we share insights from across our service on how the crisis is affecting the people we help.
The Exceptional Hardship Fund (EHF) offers short-term help with your Council Tax bill if you are struggling to pay the monthly instalments.
Please speak to your local council to find out more about how to apply for this fund. Each local council is different.
The Essential Living Fund (ELF) provides emergency financial assistance for adults and families to help pay fo bills and essential household income.
Find out more here. To apply, click on the link for Essex residents.
The Warm Home Discount Scheme has changed this year and you no longer need to apply for this help. However, if you’ve not received a letter and you think you might be eligible contact the helpline on 0800 731 0214.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November – 31 march and will provide a payment of £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather.
Social broadband tariffs exist and are cheaper than standard tariffs. Providers have the ability to confirm who is eligible for these, without the customer needing to prove their own eligibility.
Ofcom’s list of social tariffs.
Digigo is a fully electric shared public transport service which offers on-demand or pre-bookable travel in parts of Essex.
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you to buy healthy foods like milk or fruit and get free vitamins. You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify.
Many areas in Essex have support to obtain food either through community fridges or Foodbanks. Please use our map to find your local Foodbank, alternatively contact your local Citizens Advice for more information.
The NHS provides support for purchasing prescriptions as well as a low income scheme. For more information on these services please see the below links.
