Pension Age Winter Heating Payments begin

First payments have been made.

Financial support to help pensioners heat their homes this winter has started to roll out across the country.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide support to at least 880,000 pensioners to help with heating bills.

The first payments have been processed and have started to land in accounts. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.

Eligible people of State Pension age will get a payment between £101.70 and £305.10 depending on their circumstances. Most people will receive their payment automatically – no action is needed.

Everyone who is eligible will receive a letter with details of their payment.

For pensioners with a taxable income of over £35,000, the payment will be taken back through the tax system during 2026/27.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government is committed to helping those most in need and ensuring that our social security system treats those who need support with dignity, fairness and respect.

“As energy costs rise, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide vital support for thousands of older people this winter.

“People over the age of 66 don’t need to do anything – in the vast majority of cases, the payment will be made automatically to help towards a warmer winter.”

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and will be delivered by Social Security Scotland.   

A small number of people will need to apply. These include people who have deferred their 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. Find out more on this at Pension Age Winter Heating Payment - mygov.scot 

Find out more on Pension Age Winter Heating Payment at Pension Age Winter Heating Payment - mygov.scot