Winter Heating Payment replaces Cold Weather Payment
A new benefit - Winter Heating Payment - has replaced the Cold Weather Payment in Scotland.
DWP will no longer make any Cold Weather Payments to people who live in Scotland.
Payments of the Winter Heating Payment will start to be made from February 2023.
What is it?
The Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Cold Weather Payment for people living in Scotland.
It will be paid automatically through Social Security Scotland to anyone who qualifies and it does not depend on weather conditions or temperature levels where you live.
Payments of the Winter Heating Payment will start to be made from February 2023
What you'll get?
£50 will be paid once per year.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the Winter Heating Payment you must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support for Mortgage Interest
If you were previously eligible for a Cold Weather Payment from DWP and your circumstances have not changed you will be eligible for a Winter Heating Payment instead. You do not need to do anything.
How do I apply?
You don’t need to apply. All eligible households will automatically get a guaranteed annual payment of £50. Payments will start from February 2023.
It will be paid into the same bank or building society account that your benefit payments are paid into.
Unable to heat or power your home?
If you are in a financial crisis and cannot afford your heating or electricity you may be able to get a crisis grant as a one-off to assist you in the crisis. You can apply for this by contacting the Scottish Welfare Fund.
