inter Fuel Payment

A winter fuel payment is a yearly sum paid to most older people during the winter months, with some exceptions. This is a lump sum tax free payment and is £100 - £300, depending on your circumstances. You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you have reached the state pension age during the qualifying week which is the 3rd week in September of the year in which you wish to claim. You should receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you qualify. This payment is usually made by December but if you think you should qualify and this amount has not been paid you can call the Fuel Payments Helpline on 0800 7310160.

Child Winter Heating Assistance

The Child Winter Heating Assistance is a payment made to parents and carers to assist with the cost of heating for disabled and young people. This is paid by Social Security Scotland and will not affect your other benefits. This is paid once a year and is £200 per qualifying child or young person. This is paid automatically if you live in Scotland, are under 19 and receive the highest rate of care component for Disability Living Allowance at least one day in the qualifying week which is the 3rd week in September of the year it is awarded. You can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 if you believe you qualify for this and have not received payment yet.

Warm Home Discount

You may qualify for £140 off your electric bill if you are getting Guaranteed Pension Credit or if you are on a low income. Electric suppliers may have slightly different qualifying criteria and open and close their schemes at different times. Either contact your electric supplier online or by phone to check if you are eligible and to make an application. You can find more information here.

You can also contact CARF’s General Advice line on 0345 140 0094, or Text Service for the Deaf Community 0787 2677 904, Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 4 pm or by webchat at www.cabfife.org.uk.