How Winter Heating Payment works

Winter Heating Payment is to help people on low income benefits who might have extra heating needs. Social Security Scotland pays this to people living in Scotland.

It replaces the Cold Weather Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and has the same eligibility requirements. 

Unlike the Cold Weather Payment, Winter Heating Payment does not depend on how cold the temperature gets. 

Winter Heating Payment will not affect:

• the payment of any other benefits you’re currently getting, including Universal Credit
• Winter Fuel Payment  

When you’ll get your payment if you’re eligible

Payments for winter 2022 are expected to be made from February 2023. You’ll receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before they make the payment.

You can identify the payment by the reference code on your bank statement. The code will include 'WHP'. This stands for Winter Heating Payment.

Why this change is happening 

Winter Heating Payment is replacing Cold Weather Payment in Scotland. This is happening as part of Scottish devolution.

How it happens 

Social Security Scotland and DWP are working together to transfer this benefit. Most eligible clients will receive this payment automatically.

Your eligibility for Winter Heating Payment is assessed by Social Security Scotland. They look at:

• what benefits you’re receiving
• your circumstances from 7 November to 13 November 2022 – this is the 'qualifying week'