MSP welcomes winter heating support for families with disabled children
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Scottish Government has laid new legislation to enable delivery of the new Child Winter Heating Assistance.
This is the first disability benefit to be introduced using new social security powers.
Families with children in receipt of the highest rate care of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Child will receive an extra £200 to help with their heating costs.
These payments will be made automatically to eligible families through Social Security Scotland. This benefit is on track to be delivered this winter.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am delighted that we will be delivering the new Child Winter Heating Assistance in time for families to benefit from it as we move into the colder months.
“This extra money will help the families of the most seriously disabled children with the additional costs that they can have with heating a home.
“Families do not need to take action or apply for this benefit, Social Security Scotland will make the payments automatically to all eligible families.
“Despite the impact of the pandemic and having to adapt to new and different ways of working, we have prioritised its implementation so we can reach families in need at this particularly difficult time.”
Commenting, local MSP Stewart Stevenson said: “This is fantastic news and will help to support many families as we move into the colder months.
“Additional funding will help to support seriously disabled children and their families with the additional costs they can have with heating a home.
“It is also very encouraging to note these payments will be made automatically to eligible families by Social Security Scotland alleviating some of the hurdles often faced when applying for benefits.”
Social Security Scotland will automatically pay Child Winter Heating Assistance without needing an application.
