With the nights now drawing in and the temperature dropping, heating your home becomes an increasing worry - especially if you’re on a tight budget or have extra heating needs. At CHAP, we want to help you make the most of the support available and avoid getting into debt because of energy bills. Here’s your guide to what's available to assist you over the winter. Support from Social Security Scotland There are three key payments you should know about - and you may already qualify without needing to apply. Winter Heating Payment (WHP) This is a one-off annual payment for households who are on certain low-income benefits (such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support or Income based Jobseeker's Allowance) and might have extra heating needs over the winter months. Winter Heating Payment will be paid from December 2025 and will be £59.75. You don’t always need to apply - if you were already on the qualifying benefits during the qualifying week (3 November to 9 November 2025) you should receive it automatically. More information: www.mygov.scot/winter-heating-payment Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) The benefit replaces the older Winter Fuel Payment and is for people of State Pension age who are in receipt of certain qualifying benefits. If you're eligible, you could get a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10. Most eligible people get the payment automatically and do not need to apply. You’ll get a letter to confirm your payment, with letters due to be sent from November 2025. More information: www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment Child Winter Heating Payment (CWHP) This is a one-off yearly payment for families of disabled children or young people who receive certain disability-related benefits, to help with increased heating costs over winter. The payment amount for 2025/26 is £255.80. You typically don’t need to apply - it’s automatic if you’re eligible. More information: www.mygov.scot/child-winter-heating-payment Support from Energy Suppliers Some energy suppliers are also stepping up to help their customers reduce heating costs and keep homes warm. OVO Energy and Octopus Energy are both offering free electric blankets to help households facing financial hardship stay warm without the high cost of heating an entire home. Electric blankets are a cost-effective way to keep warm, using just 2-4p per hour to run. Priority is given to: Older people Those with mobility issues Individuals with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to the cold Both energy firms require customers to apply directly to be considered. As part of the process, Octopus Energy may ask you to complete a Paylink budget form to review your household income and spending before confirming your eligibility. They’ve allocated 10,000 blankets, limited to one per household, with most applications reviewed and decided on within a week. This is a great initiative offering some much-needed warmth and relief for those struggling with heating costs this winter. Find out more: octopus.energy/blog/free-electric-blankets-for-our-most-vulnerable oes.ovoenergy.com It helps to look after your heating system too - bleeding radiators, servicing your boiler, and covering sources of draughts will all help your home stay warmer at lower cost. How CHAP can help If you’re worried about your heating this winter - whether it’s how you’re going to pay the bills, whether you’re warm enough, or whether you’re eligible for all the help available - please get in touch with us. We provide free, independent, confidential advice on benefits, housing, debt and more. We also have a selection of hats and scarves that were kindly donated by knitwear manufacturer Robert Mackie of Scotland ( www.robertmackie.com ). These are available to anyone in need - just contact us to request them. Please stay warm and safe this winter and be assured that support is available if you're struggling. Call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002

At CHAP, we see firsthand the difference that local support, guidance, and investment can make to people’s lives. These crucial services contribute to reducing levels of poverty in our communities. Each year, The Poverty Alliance shines a light on the realities of poverty in Scotland and highlights the steps we can take to build a fairer, more just society. Running from 6th-10th October 2025, Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity to raise awareness, share ideas, and push for much-needed change. There are different themes for each day of Challenge Poverty Week: Monday 6th October - Social Security We need to ensure everyone has enough to meet their basic needs. Far too many people are still unaware of their benefit entitlements and don't claim additional financial support - which can often lead to debt. At CHAP, our advisers support individuals and families with benefits advice, eligibility checks, and form-filling to help them access the support they’re entitled to and help prevent financial crises. Tuesday 7th October - Jobs and Employability Work is about more than just a payslip - it’s about security, dignity, fair hours, and having a voice in the workplace. At CHAP, we lead by example and are proud to be both a Living Wage and Living Hours employer, ensuring all our staff are paid fairly and have sustainable and flexible working patterns. We also partner with local employability services and have created an animation that follows the journey of a parent looking to re-enter employment, highlighting the ups and downs many people face along the way – and demonstrating how accessing the right support can help people overcome barriers and achieve a more secure future for themselves and their family. You can view the video here: youtube.com Wednesday 8th October - Better Investments in Life’s Essentials Everyone should have access to safe housing, childcare, digital access, transport, and social care. Our advisers work to prevent problems escalating, providing help with housing, debt, and benefits so people can focus on living, learning, and working. Thursday 9th October - Better Investments in Our Communities Communities thrive when there are local services, opportunities, and strong support networks. CHAP works with partners across Ayrshire to provide advice, education, and guidance, from financial literacy workshops in schools to one-to-one support for those in need. Friday 10th October - Warm Homes, Green Travel, Safe Climate Fuel poverty and high energy bills affect far too many families. CHAP helps people manage energy debt and refer to partners for additional support with changing suppliers to reduce tariffs. Towards the end of the month, the Scotland Demands Better march takes place in Edinburgh on Saturday 25th October. This public march is open to all and aims to highlight the need for change so that every household can access life’s essentials - from a safe, warm home and a decent income to healthcare, education, and support for those who need it most. It is an opportunity for people across Scotland to come together and raise awareness of the challenges that many face and to call for robust policies that help households thrive. To find out more about Challenge Poverty Week please visit: Challenge Poverty Week - The Poverty Alliance For more information on the Scotland Demands Better march please visit: SCOTLAND DEMANDS BETTER If you, or someone you know, is facing issues with housing, benefits or debt please contact CHAP to arrange an appointment. Call Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat on our website.