Families of almost 45,000 disabled children and young people are
set to receive winter heating support, as Scotland's unique
benefit marks its fifth anniversary.
Child Winter Heating Payments will be issued from next week to
families caring for children with the highest disability support
needs.
All payments are automatic and are expected to be made by the end
of October.
In total, £11.4 million is expected to be put in the pockets of
families who need it the most.
Social Justice Secretary
said:
"I'm proud that this benefit payment – available only in Scotland
- will help families of almost 45,000 disabled children and young
people keep their homes warm this winter.
“Child Winter Heating Payment was introduced by the Scottish
Government five years ago and is providing vital support to
families facing the extra costs of caring for a disabled child or
young person who needs the highest level of disability
support.
“The payment represents Scotland's commitment to supporting its
most vulnerable families, providing targeted help that isn't
available elsewhere in the UK.”
Joana who works at Oaklands School in Edinburgh and who
is mother to Maddie, aged 17, gets Child Disability Payment and
Child Winter Heating Payment.
Maddie has various conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and
autism.
She said: “You've got Christmas coming up, the weather is
changing, bills are going up, food is going up and that little
help, it just means you think right let's put the heating up.
When that Child Winter Heating payment come in it is like winning
the lottery. You are so used to money going out and then it comes
in. It does make such a difference, 100 per cent.”
BACKGROUND
Child Winter Heating
Payment is paid automatically to the families of
children and young people under 19 who receive the highest levels
of disability support.
This includes those getting the highest rate care component of
Child Disability Payment and the enhanced rate daily living
component of Adult Disability Payment.
Each eligible child receives their own payment, meaning families
with multiple disabled children receive support for each
child.
44,971 disabled children and young people are set to receive
winter heating support: Scotland's Economic and Fiscal
Forecasts – May 2025 | Scottish Fiscal Commission
