Emergency food and clothing
Foodbanks give free food to people who are struggling financially. Visit the Trussell Trust to find a foodbank near you.
The Salvation Army also offers emergency assistance to people in need.
Emergency funding and crisis loans
Essex Essential Living Fund
The Essential Living Fund can help to pay for furniture, clothing, fuel connection charges, and daily living expenses such as food and toiletries.
It has replaced Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants.
You must live in Essex and apply through Southend Borough Council.
Budgeting Loans
Budgeting Loans can help to pay for furniture, rent, home maintenance, clothing, travel costs and other living expenses.
They are only available to people who have been on certain benefits for at least 6 months.
Apply for a Budgeting Loan on GOV.UK.
Advance on benefit payment
If you have recently applied for certain benefits, you might be able to get your first payment in advance. Visit GOV.UK to find out about a short term benefit advance.
Grants and charitable funds
You might be able to apply for a grant from a charity.
Search for grants on Turn2Us
Advice on coping with a cash crisis
StepChange offers advice on getting emergency help with money and food.
Related content
Debt help
Benefits