For immediate release:

WINTER HEATING PAYMENTS BEGIN

Money to help with heating costs is on its way to around 400,000 people on low incomes through the Scottish Government’s Winter Heating Payment.

Winter Heating Payment is paid in batches to eligible clients, with the first payments paid before Christmas. The majority of people will receive their payment by the end of January 2024.

This annual payment of £55.05 targets low-income households that have additional need for heat, including households with young children, disabled people and older people, providing stable, reliable support every winter.

Winter Heating Payment was first paid in winter 2022-2023 and replaces the DWP Cold Weather Payment.

Previously, people in Scotland were eligible for the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payments of £25 – but only when the average daily temperature recorded for 7 consecutive days was equal to or below zero degrees. In contrast, the new system in Scotland provides reliable financial support through an automatic £55.05 payment, no matter the weather.

The majority of people eligible for Winter Heating Payment who were already getting qualifying benefits during the week of 6- 12 November will get it automatically, with no need to apply. It is paid through Social Security Scotland and people will get a letter to let them know they are eligible.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has highlighted the commencing of this year’s Winter Heating Payments to eligible households across Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

Commenting, Ms Haughey said:

“I am pleased that the most vulnerable local households will see guaranteed support paid directly into their pockets over the winter months.

“With no bureaucratic application process or requirement that temperatures plummet, the Scottish Government is providing a safety net for around 400,000 people on low incomes at a time when they are struggling with the cost of living crisis and higher energy bills.

“Winter Heating Payment guarantees that everyone eligible will get a payment every year, rather than the UK Government approach of requiring the weather being sufficiently cold for a sustained period of time.

“The vast majority of people will receive the payment automatically either this month or next.

“If any constituent who believes they should have received their Winter Heating Payment but hasn’t received it by the end of next month, I’d encourage them to contact my office on 0141 561 5131 and we can look into the matter for you.”

An individual may be eligible to receive Winter Heating Payment if they are in receipt of any of the following benefits: Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest.

ENDS

Notes:

Scottish Government press release: https://www.gov.scot/news/winter-heating-payments-begin/