Hundreds of thousands of state pensioners in Scotland are now receiving vital financial support to help with energy costs this winter.
What Is The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?
The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has officially replaced the UK Government's Winter Fuel Payment for eligible individuals living in Scotland. This annual, tax-free payment is designed to assist people over state pension age with their heating bills during the coldest months.
This winter, eligible pensioners will receive a one-off payment directly into their bank accounts. The payment amounts are set at £101.70, £203.40, or £305.10, depending on individual circumstances.
Who Qualifies For The Payment?
To be eligible for the payment, you must have been living in Scotland for at least the last day of the qualifying week. For the winter of 2025/26, the qualifying week ran from September 15, 2025, to September 21, 2025.
The payment is being automatically issued to an estimated 880,000 pensioners across Scotland who were born on or before September 21, 1959.
However, there are some important exceptions. You will not be eligible if, during the entire qualifying week, you were:
- In hospital receiving free treatment and had been for the 52 weeks leading up to it.
- In custody under a court sentence.
- Subject to UK immigration conditions that prevent you from claiming public funds.
Additionally, those living in residential care may not be eligible if they were in care for the whole qualifying week, went into care before June 23, 2025, and were receiving certain benefits.
How Will Payments Be Made?
For the vast majority of eligible individuals, no application is necessary. The payment will be made automatically into the same bank account where you receive your State Pension or other benefits.
You can identify the payment on your bank statement by looking for the reference code "PAWHP", which stands for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Some pensioners, however, may need to apply. This includes those who have deferred their State Pension or are part of a couple with a joint benefit claim.
