Scotland is offering a £59.75 Winter Heating Payment this year to support households struggling with rising energy bills.
This one-time, automatic benefit replaces the older £25 Cold Weather Payment, and is designed to reach nearly half a million households across Scotland between December and February — regardless of actual weather conditions.
What Is the Winter Heating Payment?
The Winter Heating Payment (WHP) is a Scottish Government initiative that ensures eligible residents receive extra warming support each winter.
Unlike the previous Cold Weather Payment (which depended on 7 consecutive days of cold weather in a specific area), the WHP is paid out annually, no matter the temperatures.
- Amount: £59.75
- Paid automatically — recipients don’t need to apply
- Shown as “WHP” on bank statements
- Sent between December and February
- No effect on other benefits or tax credits
Who Qualifies for the £59.75 Payment?
To be eligible, you must:
- Live in Scotland
- Receive one or more qualifying benefits during the qualifying week, November 3–9, 2025
- For some benefits, additional criteria apply (for example, having a child under 5, disability premium, or a pensioner premium)
Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), Income-related ESA, Support for Mortgage Interest, among others.
If you already receive any of these entitlements during the qualifying week, you will automatically receive the WHP. A letter or email will notify you beforehand if your payment is coming.
Historical Figures & Reach
In the previous winter season:
- 465,510 WHP payments were distributed
- The total cost to the government was £27.3 million
- In addition, Child Winter Heating Payments (for disabled children) added significantly more in support
This year’s payment continues a strong tradition of delivering meaningful support to those most in need.
Pension-Age Heating Aid: A New Benefit
Scotland is also rolling out a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) to replace the UK’s Winter Fuel Payment for Scottish pensioners. Key details:
- Amounts:
• Pensioners aged 66–79: £203.40
• Pensioners aged 80 or over: £305.10
• A base payment of £100 for pensioners not receiving other benefits - Eligibility: people born before September 22, 1959, and with income below a threshold (e.g. £35,000)
- Automatic: No separate claim is needed
This aims to provide extra help for older people facing winter energy costs.
Breakdown: Heating Support at a Glance
| Support Program | Payment for 2025/26 | Who Receives It | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Heating Payment (WHP) | £59.75 | Low-income households in Scotland on qualifying benefits | Automatic, paid Dec–Feb |
| Child Winter Heating Payment | ~£255.80 | Households with children under 19 on high disability benefits | Annual, automatic if eligible |
| Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) | £203.40 / £305.10 / £100 base | Pensioners in Scotland | Replaces UK Winter Fuel Payment for Scottish pension-age residents |
What You Should Do Next
- Check that your benefit records and address are up to date — the government uses existing data to issue the payment.
- Keep an eye on mail or email notifications — you may get a message when payment is imminent.
- If you believe you should have received the payment but did not, you can request a review to check your eligibility.
The new £59.75 Winter Heating Payment underscores Scotland’s commitment to protecting vulnerable households from steep energy costs during winter.
With automatic delivery, broad coverage, and no dependence on weather, this benefit ensures people on low income, older adults, and those with disabilities receive reliable support.
Paired with the upcoming Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, Scotland is reinforcing its safety net to keep more homes warm, comfortable, and cared for this winter.
FAQs
Do I need to apply to get the £59.75 payment?
No — it is paid automatically to those already receiving qualifying benefits during the eligible week.
When will the payment arrive?
Payments are made sometime between December and February, with many arriving in December.
What if I didn’t get the payment but believe I was eligible?
You can contact Social Security Scotland to have your case reassessed and check why you were not included.