​​​​​​​Over 59,000 Winter Heating Payments Made in West Lothian

​​​​​​​Over 59,000 Winter Heating Payments Made in West Lothian

More than half a million people across Scotland received help with heating costs this winter, with £37.3 million paid out by Social Security Scotland.

In West Lothian, 43,970 Winter Heating Payments and 15,735 Child Winter Heating Payments were made, helping households stay warm during the colder months. These payments are made automatically to people on certain low-income benefits – no need to apply, and no need for cold weather to trigger the payment.

The Child Winter Heating Payment, introduced by the Scottish Government in 2020, supports families with disabled children. Across Scotland, nearly 40,000 children received this support.

Angela Constance MSP for Almond Valley said:

"This support has been a lifeline for households during the cost-of-living crisis. Thousands of families in West Lothian and beyond have benefitted from Winter Heating Payments and the Child Winter Heating Payments, helping them keep the heating on during the colder months. It’s especially crucial this year as energy bills are rising again – Ofgem’s 6.4% increase in the energy price cap from April means a typical household could pay around £9 more per month on their bills. This extra help from the Scottish Government is making a real difference. We are determined to use Scotland’s social security powers to support people through challenging times."

Next winter, a new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide £100 to every pensioner household in Scotland, ensuring older people continue to receive support with rising energy costs.

ENDS

Sources

https://dsscotland.org.uk/news/support-for-pensioners-with-energy-costs/#:~:text=On%20the%20roll,anywhere%20else%20in%20the%20UK

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/business/consumer/energy-price-cap-ofgem-new-uk-bills-rates-increase-april-2025-what-is-it-how-does-work-5005882#:~:text=How%20much%20are%20energy%20bills,going%20up

https://cpag.org.uk/welfare-rights/benefits-scotland/scottish-benefits/help-heating-costs/winter-heating-payment#:~:text=You%20do%20not%20have%20to,Scotland%20on%200800%20182%202222

https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/number-of-winter-heating-payments-passes-400000-mark#:~:text=Winter%20Heating%20Payment%20supports%20households,families%20with%20children%20under%20five

https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/number-of-winter-heating-payments-passes-400000-mark#:~:text=Winter%20Heating%20Payment%20replaced%20the,than%20via%20Cold%20Weather%20Payment

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