Scots Set to Receive £59 Winter Fuel Payment Before Year-End
Nearly half a million households across Scotland are set to benefit from a one-off Winter Fuel Payment of £59.75 this December, aimed at easing the burden of soaring energy bills over the colder months.
Last year, the Scottish Government disbursed 465,510 Winter Heating Payments, totalling £27.3 million, to eligible residents.
Unlike the UK-wide Cold Weather Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Scottish version is automatic and unconditional, meaning it is not tied to a spell of severe cold.
Social Security Scotland handles the payments directly. Households on qualifying low-income benefits—including families with young children, older adults, or disabled individuals—will automatically receive the payment.
Guidance on MYGOV.SCOT confirms: “You will automatically get the single payment between December and February.”
Recipients will also be notified via letter or email, with the transaction appearing on bank statements as ‘WHP’ (Winter Heating Payment).
Eligibility Criteria
For most, eligibility is straightforward. If you already receive a qualifying benefit, you will automatically get the payment.
The expected qualifying week for 2025 is 3–9 November, mirroring last year. Social Security Scotland checks records from this week to confirm eligibility.
Qualifying Benefits Include:
- Universal Credit: Child or young person disability elements, or limited capability for work.
- Pension Credit: Automatic if you qualify.
- Income Support / Income-based JSA: If you have children under five or receive disability/pensioner premiums.
- Income-Related ESA: Eligibility for families with young children or those in a support group.
- Support for Mortgage Interest: Linked to child, disability, or pensioner premiums.
A full list is available on MYGOV.SCOT.
Additional Energy Support
Energy prices are rising from 1 October, with a projected 2% increase. While modest, households using more gas or electricity may see a noticeable hike. Low-income families, pensioners, and disabled people in Scotland can access additional support.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payments will also be issued automatically from November. Amounts depend on age, household situation, and residency during the qualifying week (15–21 September 2025).
- Residential care residents: £101.70
- Ages 66–79: £203.40
- Ages 80+: £305.10
Eligibility requires being born before 22 September 1959 and an annual income below £35,000. No claim is needed.
Child Winter Fuel Payment
First introduced in November 2020, this annual payment supports families with children up to 19 on the highest care component of disability benefits.
For winter 2025/26, the payment will be £255.80. It covers Disability Living Allowance for Children and the new Child or Adult Disability Payment, replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Scots are encouraged to check their eligibility now to ensure financial support before winter fully sets in.
