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Who can get a winter heating payment 

You can get a winter heating payment if you live in Scotland and you are on a qualifying benefit on any day in the 'qualifying week', which is the week starting on the first Monday in November (2 to 8 November in 2026).

What are qualifying benefits

To be entitled to a winter heating payment, you have to be on one of the following benefits during the qualifying week:

  • pension credit
  • universal credit and some other conditions apply
  • DWP loan for mortgage interest due to being treated as entitled to pension credit

Universal credit

If you get universal credit and you are working, you must get the disabled child element to qualify.

If you get universal credit and you are not working, you qualify if any of the following applies:

  • you have a child under five;
  • you get the disabled child element
  • you have been assessed as having limited capability for work or work-related activity.

How much is a winter heating payment?

A winter heating payment is an annual payment of £62.00.

Claiming a winter heating payment

You do not have to make a claim for a winter heating payment. If you are eligible, it should be paid by Social Security Scotland automatically. It is normally paid in December or January. If you think you are entitled and you have not received a payment, you should contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

If you are unhappy with a decision about winter heating payment, you can challenge the decision.

More information

For in-depth information about winter heating payment, see chapter 65 of the Welfare benefits handbook. You'll need a subscription to be able to log in and read the content.

Read the winter heating payment regulations on legislation.gov.uk.