What are the Winter Heating Payment and Cold Weather Payments?

The Winter Heating Payment is a yearly payment that helps people on low incomes in Scotland with heating costs. It has replaced the Cold Weather Payment but has the same eligibility requirements. Eligible recipients will start receiving payments from Social Security Scotland usually in the middle of December, with most payments being completed by end of January. The Winter Heating Payment won't affect any other benefits you may get, and payments can be identified on bank statements with a 'WHP' reference code. The amount changes every year, with the payment for winter 2023 to 2024 being £55.05*. You don’t need to apply for it, if you’re eligible it will be paid automatically, usually into the same account you receive your benefit payments.

If you receive one of the following benefits, you may be entitled to a Winter Heating Payment:

Read more about The Winter Heating Payment.

Cold Weather Payments are made to people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when the temperature gets very cold between 1st November and 31st March. If the weather is forecasted to be 0˚C or less, for 7 days in a row, you’ll get one individual payment of £25**. You can receive multiple £25 payments for every 7-day period it reaches 0˚C or less.

If you receive one of the following benefits, you may be entitled to Cold Weather Payments:

Read more about Cold Weather Payments.

Hardship Fund: If you’re on a lower income and are struggling to pay your energy bills, you may be eligible for the ScottishPower Hardship Fund. To find out more visit our Hardship Fund page.

Warm Home Discount Scheme: This discount is a one-off payment of £150 for those potentially struggling to pay for their energy bills during the winter months. Read more on our Warm Home Discount page.

Winter Fuel Payment: If you were born on or before 26th September 1955, you may be eligible for an annual tax-free payment between £100 and £300. Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment.