Winter Heating Payment helps 400,000 with energy bills

New benefit pays out almost £20m

Winter Heating Payment has been received by almost 400,000 people on low incomes, according to official statistics.

New figures show that 394,135 payments were issued to help heat clients homes, with the vast majority of those eligible receiving their payments automatically from Social Security Scotland, without needing to apply, throughout February and March.

A total amount of £19.7 million was paid out for winter 2022-2023, the first year of the payment.

The new benefit of £50 replaced the Department for Work and Pension’s (DWP) Cold Weather Payment. Unlike the DWP benefit, it is not dependent on a sustained period of cold weather in a specific location but is a reliable, annual payment paid no matter the weather.

This is an investment of £20 million, compared with an average of £8.3 million per year over the last seven years (2015-16 – 2021-22) from the UK Government which on average supported just 185,000 people a year with Cold Weather Payments over the same period.

Due to the link with weather having to be sufficiently cold for a sustained period of time, many low income households received no Cold Weather Payments.

Winter Heating Payment was the 13th benefit introduced by the Scottish Government and will be increased by 10.1% to £55.05 for winter 2023-2024.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:

“The ongoing cost of living crisis and higher energy bills mean that people are struggling to heat their homes more than ever. Therefore, it is welcome news that £19.7 million was provided to almost 400,000 people on the lowest incomes.

“Making the decision to increase investment in this Scottish Government benefit, and to pay it to everyone eligible no matter the weather, means that more money has gone to more people than the previous DWP benefit. It is clear that getting this money into the pockets of people most in need has provided crucial financial support for energy bills at a challenging time of year.

“I urge anyone who is struggling during the cost of living crisis to visit the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living website for support and advice.”

Background

Full details of the official statistics are available to view at: Social Security Scotland - Winter Heating Payment Statistics: Winter 2022/2023

Winter Heating Payment was introduced in February 2023 to replace the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payments. Unlike the £25 Cold Weather Payment, Winter Heating Payment does not depend on how cold the temperature gets for a sustained period. It provides targeted, reliable financial support to those most in need of help with their energy costs every winter.

To be eligible for Winter Heating Payment, people must be in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Related Employment Support Allowance and Support for Mortgage Interest during a qualifying week. There are also additional qualifying criteria in relation to premiums paid because the person is disabled or has a young or disabled child.

It is available to anyone who qualifies each year during the qualifying week. For the next round of payments, this will be 6 - 12 November 2023. Most eligible people will receive this payment automatically.

Winter Heating Payment has been increased to £55.05 for winter 2023-2024, a 10.1% increase in line with inflation as agreed in the Scottish Budget 2023 - 2024.