More than 11,760 children and families across West Dunbartonshire received help towards their heating bills last winter.
A total of £858,500 was given by Social Security Scotland to help West Dunbartonshire residents keep their homes warm during the colder months.
The Winter Heating Payment is given automatically to people who receive certain low-income benefits, including households with young children, disabled people, or older people.
Read more: 'We can save lives': Clydebank MSP's debate to highlight testicular cancer
It replaced the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Cold Weather Payment in Scotland.
Unlike the Cold Weather Payment, which is only given if the average temperature falls to freezing or below for a full week, the Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed payment that everyone who is eligible receives, regardless of the weather.
A total of 10,890 Winter Heating Payments, worth £639,500, were made for 2024/2025, along with 870 Child Winter Heating Payments, worth £219,000.
Statistics released on April 29 show that 95 per cent of Winter Heating Payments were made by December 2024 and 93 per cent of Child Winter Heating Payments were made by October 2024.
Read more: New Age UK campaign urges midlifers to be more active to prepare for later life
Shirley-Anne Somerville, social justice secretary, said: "We have issued over 505,100 payments to families on low incomes, and those supporting children or young people with a disability, to help with the cost of heating their homes.
"Many people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and higher energy bills.
"The importance of these payments was brought home to everyone this month with the Energy Price Cap rising by 6.4 per cent.
"Ofgem estimates that this will add £9.25 a month to the typical household’s energy bill.
"This year we will also be providing extra support to pensioners.
"While the DWP’s Winter Fuel Payment will only be available to some pensioners, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide money to every pensioner household in the country.
"The Scottish Government will continue to protect pensioners and people on low incomes in Scotland."
Share