Newer version available

There is a newer version of this publication available:
Fuel Rights Handbook 21st edition

3. Cold weather payments, winter fuel payments and Scottish heating payments

• Cold weather payments
• Who qualifies
• Amount of payment
• Claiming and getting paid
• Challenging a decision
• Winter fuel payments
• Who qualifies
• Exclusions
• Amount of payment
• Claiming and getting paid
• Challenging a decision
• Child winter heating assistance

Cold weather payments and winter fuel payments provide extra help for fuel during periods of cold weather. They have different eligibility rules. They are tax-free and do not affect other benefits you get.

In Scotland, you may be able to get winter heating assistance if your family includes a severely disabled child. This is called ‘child winter heating assistance’ (see here).

Note: from February 2023, the Scottish government introduced a new benefit called ‘winter heating assistance’, which replaces cold weather payments for Scottish residents and has different eligibility rules. The Scottish government will also replace winter fuel payments from the end of 2024.