MORE than half a million Scots received the Winter Heating Payment last winter, figures have shown.
Some £37.3 million was given out to families across the country by Social Security Scotland in the latest round of payments.
The £58.75 payment is paid automatically to people who get certain low-income benefits, including households with young children, disabled people or older people.
The devolved benefit replaced the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Cold Weather Payment in Scotland.
Social Security Scotland said the money is guaranteed to eligible Scots no matter the weather, while the Cold Weather Payment is only paid if the average temperature falls – or is forecast to fall – to freezing or below for a full week.
Child Winter Heating Payment was introduced by the Scottish Government in November 2020 and is only available in Scotland. It is paid once a year to children and young people if they are under 19 years old and receive certain benefits.
Tuesday’s figures, from the DWP, also show that 95% of Winter Heating Payments were made by December 2024 and 93% of Child Winter Heating Payments were made by October 2024.
A total of 465,510 Winter Heating Payments, worth £27.3 million, were made for 2024/2025, along with 39,590 Child Winter Heating Payments, worth £10 million.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville (above) said: “We have issued over 505,100 payments to families on low incomes, and those supporting children or young people with a disability, to help with the cost of heating their homes.
“Many people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and higher energy bills.
“The importance of these payments was brought home to everyone this month with the Energy Price Cap rising by 6.4%.
“Ofgem estimates that this will add £9.25 a month to the typical household’s energy bill.
“This year we will also be providing extra support to pensioners. While the DWP’s Winter Fuel Payment will only be available to some pensioners, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide money to every pensioner household in the country.
“The Scottish Government will continue to protect pensioners and people on low incomes in Scotland.”
