Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is an annual payment to help people of pensionable age to pay for their heating bills.
This replaces the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland. Social Security Scotland administers the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Who is eligible?
Anyone in Scotland of State Pension Age who were born on or 27 June 1960 will get the payment for winter 2026/27.
The payment is being given to everyone automatically; however, those with a taxable income of over £35,00 will have the payment recollected through the tax system by HMRC. Anyone impacted by this will be contacted directly by HMRC.
Do people need to apply?
Most people will be paid automatically and do not need to apply.
People might need to apply for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if they:
- deferred their State Pension
- are not getting another benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Defence or Social Security Scotland
- 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
To apply for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment people can either call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 to apply over the phone or ask to get a paper application form sent to them. The deadline to apply for winter 2026/2027 is 31 March 2027.
About the payment
People will receive between £105.55 and £316.70 depending on their personal circumstances, and household make up in the week beginning 21st September 2026.
Most people will receive the payment automatically into the same account they receive their state pension, or other benefits paid for by Social Security Scotland.
People can expect to receive the payment anytime from November 2025 through the rest of the winter.
The payment does not impact on any other benefits or tax assessments. It’s worth remembering to make sure the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is aware of any change of circumstances to your household.
Opting Out
You can now choose to opt out of getting the payment. You won’t get it again unless you opt in.
Visit the Social Security Scotland opt out form to do so.
Support from Cosy Kingdom
For advice on benefits, income or money, contact Citizens Advice & Rights Fife.
Would you benefit from advice on staying warm at home? Cosy Kingdom is a free and impartial energy advice service available to everyone living within Fife.
Our energy advisors can be contacted by:
- Calling 01592 807930
- Texting COSY then YOUR NAME to 88440
- Emailing info@cosykingdom.org.uk
- Request advice online