£30 million paid out to help Scottish households with energy bills

More than £30 million has been paid out via two Scottish Government benefits to help people deal with increased energy costs this winter.

Winter Heating Payment is paid to households on low incomes, including older people, disabled people and families with children under five and Child Winter Heating Payment supports families of the most severely disabled children and young people.

The latest figures show that more than 400,00 Winter Heating Payments of £55.05 were issued between November last year and the end of March. More than 30,000 Child Winter Heating Payments of £235.70 were made in the same period.

Winter Heating Payment replaced the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment in 2023. Winter Heating Payment is paid whatever the weather, the cold weather payment is only paid when the temperature drops to a certain level.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “The £30.2 million paid over the course of winter provides support to those who need it most. It is being paid quickly and effectively to help mitigate the worst of the cost of living crisis.

“Winter Heating Payment guarantees those who qualify will get a payment every year – in contrast to the UK Government approach which needs the weather to be under a certain temperature for a sustained spell.

“Both Winter Heating Payment and Child Winter Heating Payment have recently been increased in line with inflation which means we will be getting more money into people’s pockets in 2024/25. I am pleased that we are getting the vast majority of these payments to people in good time.

“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.”