Heating bonus set for winter

Families with children who receive the highest rate of disability living allowance (DLA) will be entitled to an extra £200 this winter.

The Scottish Government yesterday laid out legislation as part of the first disability benefit under the new social security powers, which is aimed at helping with winter 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.”