Cold Weather Payment is changing in Scotland

This means that the DWP will no longer make any Cold Weather Payments to eligible people in Scotland. Anyone who is eligible for the Cold Weather Payment will still be eligible for the new benefit.The Scottish Government website says the Winter Heating Payment will provide a ‘reliable, annual’ £50 payment for those who qualify.The money will be paid for winter 2022 from February next year, providing help to people irrespective of weather conditions or temperatures where they live.This is different from the Cold Weather Payment, which works by claimants receiving £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather, between November 1 and March 31.After a period of cold weather in a person’s area, they will receive the payment within 14 working days.READ MORE: Mortgage holders who are ‘worried about rates’ urged to make important check or risk fee The Winter Heating Payment is replacing the Cold Weather Payment in Scotland (Image: GETTY)It is paid into the same bank or building society account as their benefit payments.Receiving the payment will not affect a person’s other benefits they receive from the DWP or Social Security Scotland.The new payment has been created as Social Security Scotland is taking control of certain benefits that previously were administered by the DWP.Social Security Scotland is also rolling out a devolved version of Personal Independence Payment, which is known as Adult Disability Payment. Britons face rising costs for everyday essentials (Image: GETTY)Average energy bills have risen to £2,500 a year, although this could be more depending on the size of a property and how much a household uses.All UK households are receiving a £400 discount off their energy bills, being paid in six instalments.The money is being paid in two £66 instalments in October and November and four £67 instalments from December to March 2023.People who pay by direct debit or with a smart prepayment meter will receive the discount automatically.