About the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

What is the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?

The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment helps people of State Pension age pay their heating bills. It's paid once a year and has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland.

Who is eligible for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland?

The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide support to people of State Pension age with an income of £35,000 or below living in Scotland.

Most eligible people will get the payment automatically and will not need to apply. You’ll get a letter to confirm your payment. Letters will be sent from November 2025.

You might need to apply for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if you: 

• deferred your state pension; or
• are a couple with a joint award for Pension Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support or Universal Credit and the main person getting that benefit is under State Pension age.

You can check if you need to apply. The deadline to apply for winter 2025 to 2026 is Tuesday 31 March 2026.

How much is the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?

If you’re eligible, you could get a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10. 

The amount you’ll get will depend on:

• your age
• the age of anyone you live with who is also eligible
• if you live in residential care
• if you get certain other benefits and whether you get them as a joint award with your partner.

Social Security Scotland will send the payment to the same account as your state pension, or any Social Security Scotland benefits you get.

Can you opt out of the payment?

Yes, you can opt out of receiving the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. Find out how to opt out of the payment.

If your income is over £35,000

If your income is over £35,000 a year, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will take your Pension Age Winter Heating Payment back. You can check if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back.

Get help this winter

If you need help to keep your home warm this winter, contact us for free, expert and impartial advice. Our friendly advisors can tell you about ways to make your home warmer and more affordable to heat. They can explore any funding available, check if you’re eligible for a qualifying benefit, and offer specialist advice to those who need additional support.