Families in Middlesbrough are set to receive a vital financial boost as the local council begins distributing £70 cost of living payments for each eligible child.
Who is eligible for the support?
The scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund and targets households with children. The primary route to automatic support is through free school meals eligibility.
The council confirmed it automatically sent vouchers on 1 December 2025 to families based on school records. However, several other groups can apply online.
How to apply for a payment
You should submit an application if your situation meets one of the following criteria:
- Your child receives income-related free school meals and is under five years old.
- Another child in your household is eligible for free school meals or attends a school outside Middlesbrough, but you live within the borough.
- Your child is not eligible for free school meals, but your household receives one of these benefits: Council Tax Reduction, Income-based ESA, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit.
To qualify, you must live in a Middlesbrough property and be responsible for paying the Council Tax, rent, or mortgage there.
What happens after you apply?
Successful applications will result in a £70 voucher being issued per child. The council has warned residents that processing can take up to 21 working days and asks people not to call during this period as it slows down the team.
The scheme is active from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, with funds being released in phases to ensure support reaches those most in need.
Additional support available
Council officials acknowledged that many people are struggling. For those not eligible for this specific fund, other help may be available.
The authority is working with partners like Together Middlesbrough, food banks, and Middlesbrough Environment City to cope with increased demand. They also direct residents to the government's official cost of living hub for a wider range of support options.
