They key things you need to know if you have children in Scotland #
As winter approaches, many households in the UK struggle to keep their homes warm, especially those with children. Fortunately, the Scottish Government is offering Child Winter Heating Assistance payments to help families with the costs of heating during the colder months. In this article, we will explore what this benefit is, when it is paid, and how to access it.
What is Child Winter Heating Assistance? #
Child winter heating assistance is a type of financial support provided by the Scottish Government. It is available to low-income families with children to help them pay for their energy bills during the winter months. The assistance is typically paid as a one-off payment. It can help families cover the costs of heating their homes during the coldest part of the year.
When is it Paid? #
The child winter heating assistance is typically paid during the winter months, usually between November and December. This ensure that families have the funds they need to keep their homes warm as the winter approaches.
The payment is made once a year and this winter (2023-2024) it will be £235.70 in total. Last winter (2022-2023) it was £214.10.
How can I access Child Winter Heating Assistance? #
To access this support, families need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Those under nineteen and living in Scotland are eligible if they receive any of the following benefits:
- the highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
- the highest rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment
- the enhanced rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- the enhanced rate of the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
The qualifying week is the third week in September every year, by which you must meet the above criteria. The assistance is paid automatically which means you do not need to apply for it. You will get a letter before the payment begins to let you know you are going to receive it.
If you have more than one eligible child or young person in the household, they’ll each get the payment.
Conclusion #
Child winter heating assistance can be an invaluable source of support for low-income families with children during the winter months. The assistance can help families cover the costs of their energy bills and ensure that their homes remain warm and comfortable. Eligible families will get the payment automatically, without having to apply for it. But, if you think you should have received a payment and did not, you can follow this up by contacting the Scottish Government.
If you would like more advice on financial support in the winter, visit this section of our website: Financial Support.
