How you get Winter Heating Payment
Winter Heating Payment is to help people on low-income benefits who might have extra heating needs. It replaces the ‘Cold Weather Payment’ in Scotland. Unlike Cold Weather Payments, the Winter Heating Payment does not depend on how cold the temperature gets. Instead, it is an annual payment of £59.75 that is paid automatically if you are eligible.
You will get Winter Heating Payment automatically if you get one of the benefits that make you eligible.
Getting Winter Heating Payment does not affect any other benefits you may get.
When do you get it
You'll automatically get the single payment between December and February. This does not depend on how cold it is.
You'll get a letter or an email from Social Security Scotland telling you it's coming. It appears as 'WHP' on your bank statement, WHP stands for Winter Heating Payment.
If you think you missed it, if your data does not automatically result in a payment, a Social Security Scotland will:
Look at your data again, consider whether you are eligible or not, pay you if you are eligible or write to you to explain their decision
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Winter Heating Payment, individuals must be receiving certain benefits during the qualifying week, which is the week starting on November 3, 2025.
Eligible benefits include:
- Pension Credit (no further conditions required)
- Universal Credit (with specific conditions related to disability or having a young child)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Do I need to apply?
Most eligible people will receive this payment automatically. You will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland to let you know if you are eligible.
If you do not receive a Winter Heating Payment and think you are eligible, please contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
