Kylie
More than 37,000 children and young people in Scotland have already received the Child Winter Heating Payment, a one-off £255.80 boost to help with rising energy costs.
This unique payment is part of Social Security Scotland’s support for disabled individuals under the age of 19 and is expected to continue before the end of 2025, with automatic deposits rolling out from late October through February 2026.
This article outlines everything you need to know about this £255 one-off payment, including eligibility criteria, qualifying benefits, payment schedule, and key updates.
What Is the £255.80 Child Winter Heating Payment?
The Child Winter Heating Payment is a one-time annual payment aimed at helping families cover increased heating costs during the colder months. Initially set at £235.70, the payment has increased by 1.7% in 2025, bringing the new total to £255.80 per child or young person.
This automatic payment is available to eligible claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), and Child Disability Payment—provided they live in Scotland and meet the qualifying criteria.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the £255.80 Child Winter Heating Payment, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be under the age of 19
- Reside in Scotland during the qualifying week (third week of September 2025 – exact dates to be confirmed)
- Be receiving at least one of the qualifying disability benefits
Qualifying Disability Benefits
| Benefit | Component Required |
|---|---|
| Child Disability Payment | Highest rate of the care component |
| Disability Living Allowance (Child) | Highest rate of the care component |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Enhanced daily living component (transitional) |
| Adult Disability Payment (ADP) | Enhanced daily living component |
Note: While PIP is being phased out in Scotland, 35,420 existing claimants remain as of now. They will eventually transfer to ADP, but are still eligible if on PIP during the qualifying week.
Key Payment Details
- £255.80 is paid per eligible child, not per household
- If multiple children qualify in the same household, each receives a separate payment
- Payments are made to the same account as the benefit
- If a backdated benefit award includes the qualifying week, the payment will still be made
- In some cases, a manual application might be needed
Payment Schedule
Social Security Scotland will start issuing payments from late October 2025 in batches, continuing through to February 2026. No fixed date applies to all recipients, but funds are usually received within a few months after the qualifying week.
What If the Child Doesn’t Live in Scotland?
In exceptional circumstances, children or young people who live outside Scotland during the qualifying week (e.g., in EEA countries or Switzerland) might still qualify if they can demonstrate a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland.
Examples include:
- Having strong family ties in Scotland
- Previously living or schooling in Scotland
- Receiving other Scottish benefits
Do You Need to Apply?
In most cases, no application is required. Social Security Scotland processes payments automatically using benefit records. However, if your child:
- Receives a backdated award
- Moves to Scotland shortly before September
…you may need to apply manually or contact Social Security Scotland.
Quick Summary of Key Information
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | £255.80 (2025 rate) |
| Who Gets It | Disabled children and young people under 19 |
| Payment Period | October 2025 – February 2026 |
| Qualifying Week | Third week of September 2025 (TBC) |
| Residence Requirement | Must reside in Scotland (or have a strong link) |
| Eligible Benefits | CDP, DLA (Child), PIP (until transitioned), ADP |
| Per Household or Per Child? | Per eligible child |
Why This Payment Matters
The rising cost of living and energy bills have put pressure on families—especially those with disabled children who often need more consistent home heating. This annual bonus helps relieve some of the financial burden and ensures these households aren’t forced to choose between essentials.
The £255.80 Child Winter Heating Payment is a crucial support for disabled children and young people living in Scotland, offering relief during colder months.
With automatic payments starting from October 2025, eligible families can expect to see this financial aid without needing to apply—although in certain cases, action may still be required.
As winter approaches, it’s important to verify benefit entitlements and residency status to ensure your household receives this one-off payment.
FAQs
Can more than one child in a household receive the payment?
Yes, the £255.80 payment is per eligible child, not per household. Multiple qualifying children each receive a separate payment.
Do I need to apply for the £255.80 Child Winter Heating Payment?
No application is needed for most cases. Payments are issued automatically based on benefit records. However, contact may be necessary if circumstances have changed.
What happens if my child is awarded a qualifying benefit after September?
If the award is backdated and includes the qualifying week in September, you will still receive the payment automatically.