Hundreds of thousands of people helped by winter heating payments

As of 21 February 2026, over 44,200 Child Winter Heating Payments have now been made, supporting families caring for children with the highest disability support needs. This winter, the payment was £255.80. 

Over 471,800 Winter Heating Payments have been issued, providing guaranteed support to people on low incomes to help with their heating expenses, including pensioners, disabled people and families responsible for a disabled child or a child under five. This is an annual payment that is not triggered by weather and this winter the payment was £59.75. 

Over 1,051,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have also been made to people aged 66 and over. The payment, which we delivered for the first time this winter, has replaced the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is paid at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK – between £101.70 and £305.10. 

While the vast majority of automatic payments have now been made, some people may need to apply for winter heating support. 

People who may need to apply for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment include those who have deferred their State Pension and people in a couple with a joint award for Pension Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support or Universal Credit and the named person on the benefit is under State Pension Age. Find out more: Check if you need to apply - mygov.scot  

For Winter Heating Payment, people with a backdated claim for Pension Credit or Universal Credit may also need to apply. How to request Winter Heating Payment - mygov.scot 

You can access resources and information on Winter Heating Payment and Pension Age Winter Heating Payment online: Resources - Social Security Scotland