SCOTS are being asked for their thoughts on a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment being introduced to replace the UK Government's equivalent from 2024.
The Scottish Government has previously committed to delivering the new payment on a like-for-like basis with the existing Winter Fuel Payment to help more than a million pensioners as the cold months draw in.
A consultation document has been released setting out proposals for the new payment from the winter of next year.
Scots are being asked about who they think should be eligible, the timing and format of the payment and its likely impact, while the Government is seeking out evidence about issues specific to people who are off the gas grid.
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Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said there would be an investment of around £180 million in 2024-25.
She added: “The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will seek to safely and securely transfer responsibility for the delivery of the Winter Fuel Payment to the Scottish Government, ensuring that more than a million pensioners currently eligible for Winter Fuel Payment continue to receive this support.
“Working with individuals and organisations with experience of the benefits system is central to our approach to developing the devolved social security system in Scotland.
“We are now looking for the public’s views, as well as those of relevant experts and organisations – through this consultation – to finalise our policy on this important benefit.”
The Government’s intention is that when it is introduced, the payment will have the same eligibility criteria and payment amounts as the UK Government's Winter Fuel Payment.
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