Social Security Experience Panels - Low Income Winter Heating Assistance: survey findings

Findings summary

• Of the 667 Panel members who met the criteria^[1] to participate in this survey, 43 per cent responded.
• 78 per cent of respondents have received a Cold Weather Payment. The other 22 per cent would have had experience of benefits relevant to the eligibility criteria of Cold Weather Payment.
• 82 per cent of respondents agreed with the plan to replace Cold Weather Payment with a new benefit in Scotland.
• 87 per cent agreed that a new benefit replacing Cold Weather Payment is a good way to help towards winter heating costs for people on low incomes.
• 90 per cent agreed with the plan to remove the need for a 'cold spell', a component of the eligibility for Cold Weather Payment, in order for people to receive the new benefit.
• 55 per cent agreed the new benefit should be a one-off, annual payment each winter.
• 23 per cent of respondents agreed a one-off payment of £50 would be suitable.
• 57 per cent of respondents said the new benefit should be called 'Low Income Winter Heating Assistance'.
• 81 per cent said they thought the eligibility criteria for the new benefit is clear.
• 57 per cent said they thought the proposed qualifying benefits, which are the same as the qualifying benefits for Cold Weather Payment, is a good way of deciding who is eligible for the new benefit.
• 55 per cent agreed there should be a 'qualifying week' in September.
• 42 per cent agreed that the benefit should be paid in February.