Cold Weather Payments will be replaced in Scotland this winter as the Scottish Government introduces a new heating benefit.
The government will launch the new benefit next February, and it will provide approximately 400,000 households that are on a low income a £50 boost to help with their energy bills.
As reported by the Daily Record, the current DWP benefit consists of an automatic payment of £25 when temperatures are recorded or forecast at below zero degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days in recipients' local area between November 1 and March 31.
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The new Winter Heating Payment will be delivered by Social Security Scotland and will consist of a £50 payment every year.
In 2021, there were around 854,000 Cold Weather Payments made to people in Scotland, totalling over £21 million. The Scottish Government has stated that the Winter Heating Payment will not impact any other benefits that households might be claiming, including the Winter Fuel Payment.
The Winter Heating Payment was previously called Low Income Winter Heating Assistance. Social Security Scotland commented: “The name change comes after months of user testing with people who have a lived experience of the benefits system.
“We ensured the chosen name made the most sense to those who will access the payment and was as clear and concise as possible.
“Involving the people who will use our service in its design is part of our commitment to doing things differently.”
If you currently qualify for the Cold Weather Payment and your circumstances are unchanged, then you will qualify for the Winter Heating Payment.
The new benefit will not affect:
- The payment of any other benefits you’re currently getting from DWP or Social Security Scotland
- Winter Fuel Payment from DWP
Who is eligible for the £50 Winter Heating payment?
Households on these benefits will qualify:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support for Mortgage Interest
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