Local MSP Christina McKelvie MSP has welcomed the new Child Winter Heating Assistance which aims to help families of children on the highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance for Children to hear their homes.

Figures show that more than 14,000 children are expected to be eligible. Payments are set to arrive with those eligible from Friday 27th November and these are expected to be completed by Friday 11th December.

This payment will be made automatically and those who receive it will not need to apply. Social Security Scotland uses information provided by the Department for Work and Pensions. Families will however receive a letter in advance to let them know they will be receiving these payments.

Welcoming the new payment, SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Christina McKelvie said:

“As we move into the winter months and we all start to feel the cold it is vital we do all we can to help those in more challenging circumstances than us. For families of the most seriously disabled children and young people, many of whom may need to heat their homes for longer periods, this can bring even more pressure in what is already a difficult time.

“That is why I am delighted that the Scottish Government have introduced this payment before Christmas, providing certainty to these families to allow them to plan their finances over the coming months.

“This is the first form of disability assistance to be introduced by the Scottish Government using the new social security powers and comes on the back of two other new benefits introduced this year – the Job Start Payment and the Scottish Child Payment.”