Overview
Sefton's Emergency Limited Assistance Scheme (ELAS) is administered by Sefton Council and available to support local residents who are experiencing severe hardship, a disaster or emergency. It is there to meet one-off needs and not ongoing expenses
Details
- Available In
- Sefton
- Available to Age Groups
- No Restriction
- What we can help with
- Help to get household items and clothing
- Help with food and other essentials
- Information on government/council support schemes
- Some money for an emergency
- Available to these Groups
- All Groups
Additional Information
If you need urgent help with the costs of food, essential goods for infants/children, gas, electricity or emergency travel and do not have money to get them we may be able to provide assistance. We may also be able to assist If you need furniture or essential domestic appliances because you are setting up home, moving from care, have suffered a disaster (such as a fire or flood) or have had to move due to violence, fear of violence or other reasons.
Cash will not be awarded. Instead the scheme will provide assistance, either through the provision of redeemable vouchers, travel warrants, essential household goods or referral to a support service.
The scheme does not cover clothing; rent costs, essential repairs to your home, removal costs or essential furniture if you rent a furnished accommodation (your landlord is responsible for providing this).
To be eligible for support you must live in Sefton and be aged 16 or over.
You must also be on a low income. This would normally mean you will be getting one of the following benefits:
- Income Support.
- Income based Job Seekers Allowance.
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance, or
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit only).
- Has claimed, or is in receipt of, Universal Credit but is experiencing financial hardship.
AND
- You require support to stay in the community
- Or you are being resettled into a new home by the council or a voluntary organisation following an unsettled period in your life
- Or you don’t have enough money to meet your (or you family’s) immediate needs after an emergency or crisis.
Awards will only be made where there is no alternative means of meeting your need. This includes help and support from friends and family or the Department for Works & Pensions (DWP).
Before applying for any support under this scheme we recommend you contact the DWP as you may be eligible for a hardship award, short term advance or budgeting loan.