Social Security Scotland will make payments of £50 this month to around 400,000 people to help them cover the costs of eating bills. More than £20 million is being spent by the Scottish Government to provide those on a low income with additional financial support through the Winter Heating Payment.
The new Winter Heating Payment will provide a one-off lump sum of £50 every year automatically to eligible households, with no need to apply. It replaces the £25 Cold Weather Payment delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which is only paid to people when there is a sustained period of cold weather in a specific location. It will rise with inflation to £55.05 in 2024.
Social Security Scotland will deliver the benefit and those eligible for Winter Heating Payment will get a letter to let them know they qualify for the energy help which will be made automatically and appear on bank statements as ‘WHP’. So there's no need to apply.
