More than 26,000 payments worth £5.7 million were made for winter 2022/2023, £1.7m more than for the last winter, with the majority paid by the end of October. In total, £13.4m in Child Winter Heating Assistance payments have been issued since the benefit began in November 2020.

Child Winter Heating Assistance is an annual payment to help families of disabled children and young people with increased heating costs over winter. It is administered by Social Security Scotland and is available to disabled children and young people under 19 years old who receive a qualifying benefit.

The payment is made automatically once a year and will be increased by 10.1% to £235.70 for winter 2023-2024.

Cabinet secretary for social justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “The cost of living crisis and higher energy bills mean that families are struggling more than ever.

“Getting this money to families who may need to heat their homes for longer than others over the winter months provides crucial financial support and eases financial pressure at a challenging time of year. Therefore it is welcome news that £5.7m fit has been paid to eligible families for winter 2022/23. This Scottish Government benefit is one of seven benefits only available in Scotland and is automatically paid to families of the most severely disabled children and young people.

“I urge anyone who is struggling during the cost of living crisis to visit the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living website for support and advice.”