A Winter Heating Payment is extra financial support delivered by Social Security Scotland to help people throughout very cold spells of weather in winter.
The Scottish Government has issued an easy-to-read guide all about Winter Heating Payments - including who is eligible for them, what they can be used for, and how to apply for them.
Read on below to find out more about Winter Heating Payments and how to apply for your own.
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What is a Winter Heating Payment?
A Winter Heating Payment is extra money to support people during spells of very cold weather in winter. You must be receiving certain benefits to get the payments.
Winter Heating Payments were made when the average temperature in your area is either of these two temperatures for at least seven days in a row:
- Zero degrees
- Below zero degrees
However, the Winter Heating Payment will provide support to people irrespective of weather conditions or temperature levels where they live.
This payment has replaced the Cold Weather Payment delivered by the DWP, now delivered by Social Security Scotland in the northern nation, and runs under the same rules.
How much will I receive if I am eligible?
Winter Heating Payment will provide a reliable, annual £50 payment, automatically through Social Security Scotland, to anyone who qualifies.
Payments for winter 2022 will start to be made from February 2023.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Social Security Scotland and DWP are working together to transfer this benefit. Most eligible clients will receive this payment automatically.
Your eligibility for Winter Heating Payment is assessed by Social Security Scotland. They look at:
- what benefits you’re receiving
- your circumstances from November 7 to November 13 2022 – this is known as the 'qualifying week'
To get Winter Heating Payment you must get one of the following benefits during the ‘qualifying week’:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Related Employment Support Allowance
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Also, you will typically get the cash payment if you’re not employed or self-employed and also have one of the following:
- a limited capability for work element
- a limited capability for work element with a work related activity element
- a child or young person disability element
- the disability element of Child Tax Credit
- a child under five
You’ll receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before they make the payment.
You can identify the payment by the reference code. The code will include 'WHP'. This stands for Winter Heating Payment.
Will the Winter Heating Payment affect my other benefits?
No, the cash boost is not designed to affect any other benefits. It will not affect:
- the payment of any other benefits you’re currently getting, including Universal Credit
- Winter Fuel Payment
The Scottish Government have issued an easy-to-follow guide on the Winter Heating Payment on their website.
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