Residents in Scotland are encouraged to check if they are eligible for financial assistance to offset the increased energy expenses during the winter season.

Last year, approximately 500,000 households received a Winter Heating Payment amounting to £27.3 million.

The Winter Heating Payment, a one-time payment of £59.75 in December, is designed to assist with the escalating energy bills. It replaces the previous £25 Cold Weather Payment provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Unlike the previous payment, the Winter Heating Payment is not contingent on prolonged cold weather in a specific area but is a yearly, non-temperature-dependent payment.

Many households will automatically receive this payment, particularly those on low-income benefits, including families with young children, individuals with disabilities, or older adults.

According to MYGOV.SCOT guidance, individuals will receive the payment between December and February automatically, as reported by the Daily Record.

Recipients of the payment will be notified via letter or email, and it will be labeled as ‘WHP’ (Winter Heating Payment) on their bank statement.

Individuals who qualify for other benefits will also be entitled to the Winter Heating Payment. The specific qualifying week for this year’s payment is yet to be confirmed but is anticipated to be the first full week in November, similar to last year, spanning from November 3 to 9.

Eligibility criteria include being employed or self-employed with a child or young person disability element.

Additionally, individuals not employed or self-employed but eligible for Pension Credit will qualify for the payment, as well as those with children under the age of 5 or certain other conditions.

In contrast, pensioners in England and Wales will receive Winter Fuel Payments ranging from £100 to £300, distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) during November and December.

Social Security Scotland will administer Pension Age Winter Heating Payments based on data supplied by the DWP. Detailed information on the one-time annual payments is now available on MYGOV.SCOT.

Payments will be processed automatically starting in November, with the amount determined by age, household circumstances, and residency in the UK during the qualifying week of September 15 to September 21, 2025.