A new £120 bonus payment has been made available to households receiving support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This initiative offers free cost of living assistance to families who meet certain eligibility criteria.
Funded by the Household Support Fund
This financial support comes as part of the Household Support Fund, a nationwide programme providing a total of £742 million to local councils across England. Each council receives a portion of this amount to distribute to residents who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
Residents of Middlesbrough are now able to apply for payments of up to £120 through this scheme. The support is being rolled out in phases from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 to ensure that those most in need receive timely help.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this payment, applicants must:
- Live in a Middlesbrough property
- Be responsible for paying rent, Council Tax, or a mortgage
In addition, at least one of the following DWP benefits must be received:
- Council Tax Reduction
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
When and How to Apply
Applications will officially open in November 2025. Households with children who meet free school meals eligibility have already received £60 vouchers per child as of 9 July 2025, based on data from local schools.
You can also apply online if:
- Your child is under 5 and receives income-related free school meals
- Another child in your household qualifies for free school meals but attends school outside Middlesbrough
- You live in Middlesbrough but your child attends school elsewhere
Even if your child doesn’t meet the free school meals criteria, you may still qualify if your household receives any of the previously listed DWP benefits.
Voucher Amount and Distribution
Qualified households will receive £60 per eligible child in the form of a voucher. These vouchers are designed to assist with essential costs and help ease financial pressure during the current economic climate.
The £120 DWP cost of living bonus is a much-needed relief for households struggling with daily expenses. Middlesbrough residents receiving specific benefits are encouraged to apply as soon as applications open in November 2025.
With automatic vouchers already distributed to eligible families with children, this phased support ensures that those in the most need receive timely financial aid.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the £120 cost of living support in Middlesbrough?
To qualify, you must live in Middlesbrough and be responsible for Council Tax, rent, or mortgage payments. You also need to receive a qualifying DWP benefit.
When will applications for the £120 payment open?
Applications will begin in November 2025. However, vouchers for eligible children were already sent out on 9 July 2025.
How much will each household receive?
Eligible applicants can receive £60 per child in vouchers and up to £120 per household, depending on their situation and family size.