Pension Age Winter Heating Payment - social media FAQ posts
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces DWP's Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland. Our shareable social media posts answer many common questions.
For further information, please visit mygov.scot/pensionheating
What is Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland. It is an annual payment paid automatically to people above state pension age.
If your taxable income is more than £35,000, the payment will be taken back by HMRC in the following tax year.
How much is Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?
Eligible people will receive a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10.
How much you will get depends on your circumstances during the third full week in September. This is called the qualifying week. This year’s qualifying week is 15 to 21 September.
Do I need to apply for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?
No, most people do not need to apply. If you are getting your state pension, you will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment automatically during winter 2025/2026.
If you have deferred your state pension and your annual taxable income will be less than £35,000, you can still get Pension Age Winter Heating Payment but you will need to apply.
Will I get Pension Age Winter Heating Payment this winter?
If you were born on or before 21 September 1959, you will receive a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10 this winter.
If your annual taxable income is over £35,000, HMRC will take back the payment through your 2026/27 tax code.
What bank account will my Pension Age Winter Heating Payment go into?
Your payment will go into the same bank account as your State Pension, or any Social Security Scotland benefits you get.
I live in a care home. Will I get Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?
Some people living in care homes will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
You will not get it if you live in a care home and receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
What counts as income for the £35,000 limit?
Any taxable income received between 6 April 2025 and 5 April 2026 will be counted.
For example,
- Your State Pension
- Private pensions
- Employment or self-employment
- Non-ISA savings interest
- Non-ISA investment dividends
Can I get Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment in the same financial year?
Yes. If you get Pension Credit, you will get Winter Heating Payment and Pension Age Winter Heating Payment during winter 2025/2026.
Both payments will be made automatically. You don’t need to do anything.
I know my income will be over £35,000. Can I opt-out of getting Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?
Yes. You can opt out of getting Pension Age Winter Heating Payment by using our online form at mygov.scot/pensionheating.