Question reference: S6W-09331
- Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 24 June 2022
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Current status: Answered by Ben Macpherson on 20 July 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the UK Government’s announcement regarding roll-out of the cost of living payment from 14 July 2022, whether it can confirm if it will be responsible for handling the additional £300 cost of living payments for pensioners who are in receipt of winter fuel payments, and, if this is the case, whether it will provide details of the roll-out of these payments.
Answer
While Winter Fuel Payment is one of the benefits that will be devolved to the Scottish Government, we have not yet taken over responsibility for its administration. This means that the current rules governing the rate of payment, who is eligible to receive, and when and how it is paid, is set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This £300 change represents an increase in the base amount paid by the DWP for Winter Fuel Payment, which is normally paid in November, whereas the additional payments from 14 July are a one off payment for those in receipt of a variety of benefits, rather than an increase to the payment rates.