Pension Age Winter Heating Payment helps people of State Pension age pay their heating bills. It's paid once a year and replaces the Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland.
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. Letters will be sent from November 2025.
Social Security Scotland will send the payment to the same account as your State Pension, or any Social Security Scotland benefits you get.
A small number of people will need to apply.
You might need to apply for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if you: - deferred your State Pension, 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.
If you’re eligible and none of these apply to you, you’ll be paid automatically.
If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Pension Age Winter Heating Payment back.
Why Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland
The Scottish Government now has its own social security system, Social Security Scotland. This means certain Department for Work and Pensions benefits have been replaced with new benefits in Scotland.
