As energy prices continue to rise, many households across Great Britain are facing new financial pressures. With energy costs on the standard tariff now up by 10%, households can expect annual energy bills to increase from £1,568 to £1,717, adding around £149 per year. In practical terms, this equates to an additional £10 for every £100 currently spent on energy, from now until the next price cap adjustment on January 1, 2025.
For pensioners, rising costs have intersected with changing eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment, meaning many could miss out on crucial heating bill support. However, for Scottish residents, there is a one-time Winter Heating Payment to assist eligible households with heating expenses.
Extra £58 Winter Heating Payment for People on Low Income
| Support Type | Amount | Eligibility | Payment Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Bill Increase | £149/year | All households on standard tariffs | Effective until January 1, 2025 |
| Winter Heating Payment (Scotland) | £58.75 | Income-based benefits (see below) | Starts mid-December, ends Feb 2025 |
| Winter Fuel Payment (UK) | £100-£300 | Pensioners on income-related benefits | Annually during winter |
Winter Heating Payment for Scotland: What to Expect
The Winter Heating Payment is an annual, one-off payment provided by Social Security Scotland to help qualifying households manage heating expenses through the coldest months.
- Amount: £58.75
- Automatic Payment: Most eligible households do not need to apply; payments are made automatically based on benefit status.
- Payment Period: Payments start from mid-December 2024 and aim to reach eligible households by the end of February 2025.
- Eligibility Notification: Recipients will receive a letter before the payment is issued.
Eligibility Criteria for Winter Heating Payment 2024/25
Social Security Scotland reviews eligibility for the Winter Heating Payment based on:
- Benefit Status: Receiving qualifying income-related benefits (listed below).
- Circumstances in Qualifying Week: Benefits status during the qualifying week of November 4–10, 2024.
Qualifying Benefits for Winter Heating Payment
To be eligible, you must be receiving one of the following benefits during the qualifying week:
| Qualifying Benefits |
|---|
| Universal Credit |
| Pension Credit |
| Income Support |
| Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance |
| Income-related Employment and Support Allowance |
| Support for Mortgage Interest |
Special Considerations for Qualifying Benefits
Each qualifying benefit has specific conditions that could affect eligibility for the Winter Heating Payment. Here’s a closer look:
For Universal Credit Recipients
If you receive Universal Credit, the criteria differ depending on whether you are employed:
- Not Employed/Self-Employed:
- Eligibility Conditions:
- Limited Capability for Work Element
- Limited Capability for Work with Activity Element
- Child or Young Person Disability Element
- Child under five years old
- Eligibility Conditions:
- Employed or Self-Employed:
- Eligibility Condition: Child or Young Person Disability Element
For Pension Credit Recipients
- Eligibility: If you receive Pension Credit during the qualifying week, you are entitled to the £58.75 Winter Heating Payment.
For Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support
Eligibility is granted if you also have one of the following:
- Disability Premium or Severe Disability Premium
- Pensioner Premium
- Disability Element of Child Tax Credit
- Child under five years old
For Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Recipients
Eligibility is met if you meet one of the following:
- Placement in Support Group or Work-Related Activity Group
- Severe or Enhanced Disability Premium
- Pensioner Premium
- Disability Element of Child Tax Credit
- Child under five years old
For Support for Mortgage Interest Recipients
You qualify if you have one of the following:
- Disability Premium
- Pensioner Premium
- Child Disability Premium
- Disability Element of Child Tax Credit
- Child under five years old
When to Expect the Payment
- Timing: Payments for winter 2024/25 are scheduled to begin mid-December, with most recipients receiving funds by the end of February 2025.
- Notification: If eligible, you will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made.
Additional Support Resources
For further guidance and updates, visit the mygov.scot Winter Heating Payment page.
Click here to learn more
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