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 consecutive days 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.
If you are currently eligible for the Cold Weather Payment from DWP and your circumstances have not changed, you should be eligible for a Winter Heating payment. However, there is a qualifying period for the new payment which many people may not be aware of.
