What is the Child Winter Heating Payment?
Thousands of families in Scotland can receive a little-known cost of living payment this winter. The Child Winter Heating Payment, worth £230, is issued to eligible households to help cover the higher energy bills during the colder months. Introduced in 2020, this benefit can be a helpful resource for families struggling with the cost of living.
Rising Costs and the Need for Assistance
The cost of living has been steadily increasing, with July inflation reaching 6.8%. Everyday essentials such as food have become more expensive, putting pressure on household budgets. Additionally, mortgage rates have been on the rise following recent Bank of England base rate increases. The Child Winter Heating Payment can provide much-needed relief for eligible families during these challenging times.
Who is Eligible and How to Apply
In order to be eligible for the Child Winter Heating Payment, you must be 18 years old or younger and receive one of the following qualifying benefits:
- The highest rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment
- The highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance for children
- The enhanced daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
- The enhanced rate of the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
You must have been claiming one of these benefits on at least one day in the third full week of September. If you recently started claiming one of these benefits and it was backdated to the qualifying week, you may also be eligible for the payment. If you have more than one child in your household, each child will receive the payment.
If you were not living in Scotland during the qualifying week, you may still qualify if you lived in certain European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland, or if you can demonstrate a "genuine and sufficient" link to Scotland.
Once you have made a claim, the payment is made automatically into the same bank account where you receive one of the four benefits mentioned earlier. You will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland to confirm your eligibility for the payment. However, if you live outside of Scotland and are eligible for the payment, you must apply using a paper form from the Scottish Government's website or by calling a dedicated phone line.
Assistance for Those Outside of Scotland
If you don't live in Scotland, there are other forms of assistance available to help with the cost of supporting a child. The UK government is distributing cost of living payments, including a £900 payment, to eligible recipients who receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, and Child Tax Credit. These payments are being made in three instalments, with the first already paid and the remaining two scheduled for autumn 2023 and spring 2024.
In addition, the Household Support Fund, worth £842 million, is being distributed by local councils in England to residents in need. Each council has its own eligibility criteria, but if you are on benefits or have a low income, you may be eligible for support in the form of cash payments, supermarket vouchers, or energy bill vouchers.
Furthermore, depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to free childcare. For more information on these options and to apply, visit the UK government's website or contact your local council.
Check Your Eligibility for Ongoing Benefits
It's always worth checking if you are eligible for ongoing benefits. Calculators provided by charities such as Policy in Practice and Turn2Us can help you determine your entitlement. Don't hesitate to explore these resources and see if you qualify for additional assistance.
