Over half a million families and individuals across Scotland have received crucial help with their heating bills thanks to £37.3 million paid out during the winter of 2024 to 2025.
The Winter Heating Payment, delivered automatically to those receiving certain low-income benefits, ensured that homes stayed warm without the need to monitor freezing temperatures.
This Scottish payment has replaced the Department for Work and Pensions’ Cold Weather Payment, guaranteeing support to eligible households regardless of the weather.
It offers vital reassurance to households with young children, disabled people, and older residents facing high energy costs.
Child Winter Heating Payment, launched by the Scottish Government in November 2020, continues to support young people under 19 who receive qualifying benefits.
Fresh statistics released today confirm that 95% of Winter Heating Payments were made by December 2024.
Meanwhile, 93% of Child Winter Heating Payments were issued by October 2024, ensuring families had early support ahead of the coldest months.
A total of 465,510 Winter Heating Payments were made, amounting to £27.3 million.
Additionally, 39,590 Child Winter Heating Payments were issued, totalling £10 million.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the payments were essential for families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy prices.
She highlighted that the recent 6.4% rise in the Energy Price Cap will add an average of £9.25 a month to household energy bills.
Somerville reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to helping those on low incomes, stating that the support has never been more needed.
She also announced the introduction of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, set to benefit all pensioner households across Scotland.
This new support ensures that unlike the DWP’s selective Winter Fuel Payment, no pensioner in Scotland will be left behind.
The Scottish Government remains firm in its pledge to protect vulnerable groups and ease the burden of winter energy costs.
By delivering targeted, guaranteed payments, Scotland continues to lead the way in social security support during the harsh winter months.
Families, young people, disabled individuals, and pensioners are all set to benefit from the expanded safety net now in place.
In a time of rising bills and financial uncertainty, these heating payments have become a lifeline for many across the nation.
The Winter Heating Payment and Child Winter Heating Payment together mark a significant investment in the wellbeing of Scotland’s communities.
As the Scottish Government builds its independent social security system, direct financial support like this remains at its heart.
The success of these payments stands as a testament to Scotland’s commitment to fairness and dignity for all.
With another cold season behind them, over half a million households have been able to keep warm and focus on brighter days ahead.
