Extra £200 this winter for children with disabilities

Families with children who receive the highest rate of Disability Living Allowance will be entitled to an extra £200 this winter.

The Scottish Government will lay legislation on Monday as part of the first disability benefit under new social security powers, which is aimed at helping with winter heating costs.

The 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.”