As the colder months approach, thousands of households across the UK, especially in Scotland, are set to receive a range of one‑off winter support payments to help with rising household costs. From Pension Age Winter Heating Payments of up to £305 to annual support for families with children and disabled claimants, multiple benefits are being issued automatically before the end of the year. These payments aim to ease the burden of higher energy bills, support vulnerable groups, and ensure households have the means to stay warm and secure during winter.
Table of Contents
1. Winter Heating Payments – Annual Support for Low‑Income Households
What Is the Winter Heating Payment?
The Winter Heating Payment is an annual social security payment in Scotland designed to replace the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment. Unlike the Cold Weather Payment, which is only paid when temperatures fall below freezing, the Winter Heating Payment is guaranteed for eligible claimants regardless of the weather conditions.
How Much Is It?
- £59.75 – paid once a year to qualifying households in Scotland.
- Distributed automatically from mid‑December.
Who Qualifies?
- People receiving certain low‑income benefits, including households with young children, disabled people, older adults, and other eligible claimants.
This payment ensures extra help is provided every winter to those with limited resources who may have higher heating needs.
2. Child Winter Heating Payment – Support for Families
Introduced by the Scottish Government in November 2020, the Child Winter Heating Payment is designed for families with children or young people under 19 years old who receive specific benefits.
Payment Value
- £255.80 once per year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Child or young person must be under 19.
- Must be in receipt of qualifying disability‑related benefits such as Disability Living Allowance for Children or Child Disability Payment.
This payment was issued by the end of October, providing early winter support to families with additional care and heating needs.
3. Pension Age Winter Heating Payments – Up to £305 for Pensioners
What This Payment Covers
Pensioners across Scotland are now receiving Pension Age Winter Heating Payments, designed to assist older residents with their energy costs.
Who Is Eligible?
Payments are based on:
- Age
- Household living circumstances
- Residence in the UK during the qualifying week (15–21 September)
Payment Amounts
Payments are being issued automatically and will continue arriving in bank accounts over the coming weeks:
| Age Group | Winter Heating Payment |
|---|---|
| Aged 80 and over | £305.10 |
| Aged 66–79 | £203.40 |
| Pensioners in residential care | £101.70 |
So far, at least 880,000 pensioner households have begun receiving these payments.
How It Works
Social Security Scotland uses data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to automatically deliver these payments. Most claimants do not need to take any action.
A very small number of people may need to apply manually, for example, if they deferred their State Pension or if they are not currently claiming any qualifying benefit.
4. Carer’s Allowance Supplement – Extra Payments for Carers
What Is It?
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an additional benefit available only in Scotland. It recognises the important role of carers and provides extra financial support twice a year.
Payment Details
- £293.50 per instalment.
- Paid automatically to those receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment.
- Latest payments are being issued now, check your bank account and report any missing payments by 15 December.
You will receive this payment if you were claiming or waiting on a claim outcome submitted before the qualifying date of 13 October.
5. DWP Christmas Bonus – A £10 Gift for Eligible Claimants
Who Gets It?
The Christmas Bonus is a one‑off, tax‑free £10 payment from the Department for Work and Pensions:
- Paid to people receiving the State Pension or certain other benefits.
- The qualifying week is usually the first full week of December (1–7).
No Need to Apply
The bonus is paid automatically into the account where you normally receive your State Pension or benefit. It may arrive on a different day from your regular payment.
6. Eligible Benefits for Winter Support and Christmas Bonus
You may qualify for these payments if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Carer Support Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit (guarantee element)
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
- State Pension
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
- War Widow’s / Widowed Parent’s Allowance
Each of these could make you eligible for one or more winter support payments or the Christmas Bonus.
As winter sets in, hundreds of thousands of people across Scotland and the UK will receive automatic financial support, offering help with energy bills and living costs. These payments, from the Winter Heating Payment to the Christmas Bonus, aim to provide peace of mind and essential support during the colder months.
Please check your bank account in mid-December for any payments you may be due. If something is missing, contact the relevant benefits office or Social Security Scotland for assistance.