There have been more than 268,500 payments for Child Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment in Scotland, where these payments are only available.

Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs  and Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed, annual payment for people receiving certain benefits irrespective of how cold the temperature gets outside.

Additionally over 568,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have been  paid to people aged 66 and over.

Child Winter Payment

As of 14 December 2025, over 43,000 Child Winter Heating Payments had been issued and the total value of payments issued was over £11.0 million. The payment value for winter 2025/2026 is £255.80 and eligibility is based on clients being in receipt of a qualifying benefit on at least one day in the qualifying week Monday 15 September to Sunday 21 September 2025.

Winter Heating Payment

As of 14 December 2025, over 225,500 Winter Heating Payments had been issued and the total value of payments issued was over £13.4 million. The payment value for 2025/2026 is £59.75 and eligibility is based on clients being in receipt of a qualifying benefit on at least one day in the qualifying week Monday 3 November to Sunday 9 November 2025.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

As of 14 December 2025, over 568,500 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments had been issued and the total value of payments issued was over £100.5 million. The payment value for winter 2025/2026 is between £101.70 and £305.10. In order to be eligible, clients must be 66 or over by the last day of the qualifying week Monday 15 September to Sunday 21 September 2025.

Commenting on the payments Social Justice Secretary in the Scottish Government, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 

“Costs are rising and there will be many people struggling with household bills this winter. 

“That’s why the Scottish Government is taking action and will deliver the strongest package of winter support than anywhere else in the UK.  

“We’re providing winter help, no matter the weather and I’m pleased that over three quarters of a million payments have already been made to do just that.”