Around 1.4 million winter heating payments are expected to be made in Scotland this winter, the Scottish Government says. The first payments are due in October.
The package is delivered by Social Security Scotland and has three parts. Each covers a different group and starts on a different date. Most eligible people are paid automatically and do not need to apply.
Child Winter Heating Payment
This goes to the families of children and young people under 19 who receive the highest levels of disability support. The 2026–27 payment is £265.50. Payments start in the week beginning 5 October. More than 48,000 disabled children and young people are expected to be supported. The government says this kind of help is not available anywhere else in the UK.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
This has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland. People of State Pension age receive between £105.55 and £316.70, depending on their age and household circumstances. Around 879,000 pensioners are expected to benefit. Payments begin in November and continue through the winter. HMRC recovers the payment from anyone with an individual income over £35,000.
Winter Heating Payment
This is a guaranteed annual payment of £62 for low-income households receiving certain benefits. Nearly 487,000 people are expected to get it, with payments from December. Unlike the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment, it does not depend on a spell of freezing temperatures.
Last winter
In winter 2025–26, more than 1.57 million payments were made across the three benefits, and more than 1.46 million people received at least one of them.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the support could be a valuable lifeline, with energy costs predicted to rise again.
Checking your entitlement
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Check the official guidance on mygov.scot or contact Social Security Scotland directly.
