As the colder months approach, the Winter Heating Payment offers crucial financial relief to help families manage rising heating costs, especially those with disabled children or young people.
For 2024, the payment has increased to £251.50 per eligible child or young person, administered by Social Security Scotland.
This one-time payment is automatically provided to families who meet the specific disability criteria, ensuring they receive the support they need without having to apply.
Here’s what you need to know about this extra winter payment, including eligibility, payment timing, and how it works.
What Is the £251 Winter Heating Payment?
The £251.50 Winter Heating Payment is an annual, one-time benefit aimed at helping families with disabled children and young people under the age of 19 cover their heating costs during the winter months.
It is designed to ease the financial strain of keeping homes warm for those who need extra heating due to disabilities.
This benefit is administered by Social Security Scotland, which took over from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as part of Scotland’s devolution of welfare powers.
Key Details:
- Annual Payment Amount: £251.50 (2024 rate)
- No Application Required: The payment is automatic if you qualify.
- Timing: Payments are made in November each year.
- Paid By: Social Security Scotland
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the £251.50 Winter Heating Payment depends on specific disability benefits. The payment is intended for disabled children and young people who require additional heating during the colder months.
Eligibility Requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be under 19 years of age |
| Residence | Must live in Scotland |
| Disability Benefit | Must receive one of the following benefits: |
| – Highest rate of care component of Child Disability Payment (CDP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | |
| – Enhanced rate of daily living component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | |
| Qualifying Week | The relevant benefit must be awarded during the qualifying week (Sept 16–22, 2024) |
If your disability benefit is awarded after the qualifying week but is backdated to cover that period, you will still receive the payment.
No Impact of Income or Savings
One of the significant advantages of this payment is that household income or savings do not affect eligibility.
The payment is based solely on the disability status of the child or young person and their residence in Scotland, making it accessible to all qualifying families, regardless of their financial situation.
Payment Process
The Winter Heating Payment will be automatically paid into the same bank account that receives your disability benefit. There’s no need to apply, and you should receive the payment by November.
If you believe you are eligible but haven’t received the payment by the end of December, contact Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222 for assistance.
Automatic Payment
Since the payment process is automatic, there is no need for eligible families to submit claims or complete additional forms.
Social Security Scotland automatically checks eligibility based on existing disability benefit records and deposits the payment directly into your account.
How to Challenge a Decision
If you believe you are eligible for the payment but have not received it, or if you receive a letter denying the payment, you have the right to challenge the decision. Social Security Scotland allows families to dispute decisions by providing evidence of their eligibility.
Steps to Challenge a Decision:
- Contact Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222.
- Provide supporting evidence, such as disability benefit awards, to demonstrate eligibility.
- Follow up if you do not receive a resolution within a reasonable timeframe.
Why the Winter Heating Payment Matters
For families with disabled children or young people, winter can bring extra challenges due to higher heating needs and increasing energy costs.
The £251.50 payment helps ease this burden, ensuring that families can afford to keep their homes warm without sacrificing other essential needs.
By increasing the payment amount from £235.70 in previous years to £251.50 in 2024, the government acknowledges the rising cost of living and the need for enhanced support for vulnerable households.
This payment is part of a broader commitment to supporting families with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind as energy bills rise during the winter months.
With automatic eligibility checks and no impact from household income or savings, the Winter Heating Payment is a vital resource for families in need.
The £251.50 Winter Heating Payment offers significant relief to families with disabled children and young people in Scotland, helping them manage the higher heating costs during winter.
The payment is automatic for eligible households, with no need to apply, and is deposited directly into the same account as the child’s disability benefit.
For those who qualify, this extra support can make a big difference in covering winter expenses. If you haven’t received your payment by the end of December or need to challenge a decision, Social Security Scotland is available to assist.
Staying informed about your benefits can help ensure you receive the support you are entitled to, making the colder months a little easier to manage.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the £251 Winter Heating Payment?
Children or young people under 19 in Scotland who receive the highest rate of CDP/DLA or enhanced rate of ADP/PIP qualify automatically.
Do I need to apply for the payment?
No, the payment is made automatically to eligible families.
When will the payment be made?
Payments are typically made in November.
Does household income affect eligibility?
No, the payment is not affected by household income or savings.
What should I do if I don’t receive the payment?
Contact Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222 if you haven’t received the payment by the end of December.
