Stirling politicians are urging Stirling residents to check their eligibility for specific social security benefits that may help ease the financial burden of winter.

The Winter Fuel Payment is a UK-wide benefit that helps people born on or before 5 July 1952 to pay their heating bills. However, in Scotland, the Scottish Government is extending the benefit to also cover families with severely disabled children.

The Cold Weather Payment is paid to individuals on low incomes and in receipt of certain benefits to help with heating costs when the temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, colder than zero degrees Celsius across seven consecutive days.

With cold snaps likely in the remaining winter months, no household in Stirling should go without their entitled support.

Stirling SNP Councillor Evelyn Tweed said:

‘In recent weeks we’ve seen more and more snow and frost affecting communities across Stirling. Fuel poverty remains a live issue across Scotland, and there does exist government support to help households through the particularly harsh weather. I’d urge Stirling residents to check their own eligibility online.’

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said:

‘The Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment are two important benefits at this time of year, for many households in Stirling. Social security is just that; services aimed to help in time of need. With temperatures plummeting in recent days, residents could do with a timely reminder of the help that may be available to them.’

Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:

‘Scotland can experience some brutish winters, increasing already expensive energy bills. These benefit payments are specifically designed to help households who need them, and keep people warm and safe during cold spells. With a few clicks on the government’s website, residents in Stirling could unlock important financial support this winter.’

Notes: https://www.gov.scot/policies/social-security/help-with-heating-costs/