More than 14,000 Disabled Children across Scotland are expected to receive the SNP Government’s Child Winter Heating Assistance by Christmas. This is a new £200 payment to help families of a child on the highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance for Children to heat their homes.
Payments will arrive from Friday 27 November and will be with everyone who is eligible.
People do not need to apply for this payment. It will be made automatically by Social Security Scotland using information provided by the Department for Work and Pensions. Families will get a letter in advance to confirm this.
This is the first disability assistance to be introduced by the Scottish Government using its new social security powers.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley Anne Somerville MSP said:
“As the nights draw in and the temperature falls, we will all be conscious of the extra cost to heat our homes. For families of the most seriously disabled children and young people, who may need to heat their homes for longer periods, this can bring even more pressure in what is already a challenging circumstance.
“I am so pleased that we have been able to introduce this payment before Christmas, ensuring people will have this money ahead of the coldest of the winter months. I hope this helps these families plan their finances and that they can turn the heating on without as much worry about how they are going to afford it.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“I am delighted that despite the impact of COVID-19, the SNP Government has been able to move forward with three new benefits this year – Job Start Payment, Scottish Child Payment and now Child Winter Heating Assistance.
“The £200 payment will make a huge difference this winter for vulnerable children and their families, and I am pleased that people across North Ayrshire don’t have to worry about applying for it – if your child qualifies, it will be paid automatically.”
You qualify if you live in Scotland and have been in receipt of the highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance for children on at least one day between 21 September 2020 to 27 September 2020.
For more information, contact Social Security Scotland through web chat at mygov.scot.contact-social-security-scotland or by calling the Freephone helpline on 0800 182 2222.
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