Cold Weather Payments are set to be replaced this winter for people living in Scotland. The Scottish Government will introduce a new heating benefit from February 2023 that will give around 400,000 households on a low income a guaranteed £50 payment towards their energy bills.
The current benefit, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) triggers a £25 payment only when temperatures are recorded or forecast at below zero degrees Celsius for seven days in-a-row in their local area between November 1 and March 31. The new Winter Heating Payment will be administered by Social Security Scotland and will provide a £50 payment every year.
Last year there were 854,000 payments made to Cold Weather Payment recipients in Scotland totalling more than £21 million. The Scottish Government said that the new £50 payment will not affect any other benefits households are currently getting from DWP, including the Winter Fuel Payment, which includes a £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment this year.
Winter Heating Payment, previously named Low Income Winter Heating Assistance, will replace Cold Weather Payments in Scotland only.
Social Security Scotland explained: “The name change comes after months of user testing with people who have a lived experience of the benefits system.
“We ensured the chosen name made the most sense to those who will access the payment and was as clear and concise as possible.
“Involving the people who will use our service in its design is part of our commitment to doing things differently.”
If you are currently eligible for the Cold Weather Payment from DWP and your circumstances have not changed, you will be eligible for a Winter Heating payment.
Receiving Winter Heating Payment will not affect:
- the payment of any other benefits you’re currently getting from DWP or Social Security Scotland
- Winter Fuel Payment from DWP
Who is eligible for the £50 Winter Heating payment?
Households on these benefits will qualify:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support for Mortgage Interest
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