Last winter, over 500,000 families and children in Scotland were able to keep their homes warmer thanks to £37.3 million in assistance distributed by Social Security Scotland. With winter fast approaching, multiple financial support schemes are returning, including the Winter Heating Payment (£59.75), Child Winter Heating Payment (£255.80), and Pension Age Winter Heating Payments (ranging from £101.70 to £305.10).
Overview of Winter 2025/26 Heating Payments
Massive Payouts Already Delivered
During the 2024/25 season, a total of 465,510 Winter Heating Payments, valued at £27.3 million, were issued. In addition, 39,590 families received the Child Winter Heating Payment, totaling £10 million.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payments: What’s New?
In response to the UK Government’s recent changes affecting Winter Fuel Payment eligibility in England and Wales, the Scottish Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring pensioners in Scotland don’t miss out on their rightful support.
Social Security Scotland is using data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to automatically issue payments starting November 2025. The amount received depends on the individual’s age, living arrangements, and residency status during the qualifying week of September 15–21, 2025.
Payment Tiers Based on Age & Care Situation
| Age/Status | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Aged 66+ in care home | £101.70 |
| Aged 66–79 | £203.40 |
| Aged 80 and above | £305.10 |
To qualify, individuals must have been born before September 22, 1959, with an annual income of £35,000 or less. No claim process is required.
Key Scottish Heating Support Schemes for 2025/26
Winter Heating Payment – £59.75
Replacing the former Cold Weather Payment, this guaranteed annual payment is issued to low-income households, including families with children, seniors, and disabled individuals. It is not temperature-dependent, unlike the DWP’s Cold Weather Payment.
Child Winter Heating Payment – £255.80
Launched in November 2020, this Scotland-only annual payment supports children and teens under 19 receiving disability-related benefits. It will be distributed again in winter 2025/26.
Detailed Breakdown of Additional Scottish Benefits
Scottish Child Payment – £27.15 Weekly
A weekly payment to assist with the costs of raising a child under 16, amounting to £108.60 every 4 weeks.
Best Start Grant Series
| Payment Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy and Baby (1st child) | £767.50 |
| Pregnancy and Baby (Subsequent) | £383.75 |
| Early Learning Payment | £319.80 |
| School Age Payment | £319.80 |
Best Start Foods
A pre-paid card to help purchase healthy food from pregnancy until a child turns three.
| Rate Type | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|
| Higher | £10.80 |
| Lower | £5.40 |
Support Payments for Disability and Caring Roles
Child Disability Payment – Up to £749 Every Four Weeks
Replaces DWP’s Disability Living Allowance for children and includes both daily living and mobility components.
| Component | Standard | Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
Adult Disability Payment – Up to £749.80 Every Four Weeks
A replacement for PIP, this benefit supports long-term health conditions impacting daily living and mobility.
| Component | Standard | Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
Pension Age Disability Payment – Up to £441.60 Every Four Weeks
Now fully replacing Attendance Allowance, this benefit supports older adults needing care or supervision.
| Weekly Rate | Pay Period Amount |
|---|---|
| £73.90 or £110.40 | £295.60 or £441.60 |
Additional Support Schemes
Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
A closed benefit available only to those transitioning from the DWP’s version of Disability Living Allowance.
Young Carer Grant – £390.25 Annually
Annual support for young carers aged 16 to 18 providing care for someone receiving a disability benefit.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement – £293.50 Biannually
This is automatically issued to individuals receiving Carer’s Allowance on designated qualifying dates.
Carer Support Payment – £83.30 Weekly
A new weekly payment to replace Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. Paid every 4 weeks, totalling £333.20.
Job Start Payment
A one-time grant to help young people aged 16–24 transition into work after a period of unemployment.
| Rate Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Higher | £511.65 |
| Standard | £319.80 |
Funeral Support Payment
Financial assistance for those responsible for funeral costs and receiving certain benefits.
| Payment Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £1,279.15 |
| Lower Rate | £156.10 |
| Medical Device Removal | £25.80 |
Conclusion
The Scottish Government continues to lead the way in delivering targeted financial support to those most in need, especially through the winter months. Whether you’re a pensioner, parent, carer, or disabled individual, these devolved benefits are designed to ease the cost of living pressures and promote well-being across Scotland. With payments issued automatically, it’s crucial to stay informed and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Winter Heating Payment and Cold Weather Payment?
The Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed annual payment regardless of temperature, replacing the DWP’s Cold Weather Payment, which depended on weather conditions.
2. Do I need to apply for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?
No, payments are automatic based on DWP data and require no separate application.
3. Can I receive both the Scottish Child Payment and Child Winter Heating Payment?
Yes, if you meet eligibility for both, you can receive them independently.
4. What if I move into Scotland after the qualifying week?
You must reside in Scotland during the qualifying week (September 15–21, 2025) to be eligible for most winter payments.
5. Is Adult Disability Payment the same as PIP?
Adult Disability Payment replaces PIP in Scotland but is structured similarly. You’ll transition automatically if you’re already receiving PIP.