The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) has officially replaced the Winter Fuel Payment for older adults in Scotland who are above the State Pension age.
This updated benefit is a one-time seasonal payment that ranges from £101.70 to £305.10, depending on individual circumstances. The scheme aims to offer financial support during the colder months to older residents with limited income.
Who Will Receive PAWHP?
Most individuals born before September 21, 1959 and with an income of £35,000 or less will receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment automatically. There are three main payment tiers:
- £101.70
- £203.40
- £305.10
These payments will begin from November 2025 and continue through the winter season. A notification letter will be sent before the payment is issued, detailing the amount.
Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements
To qualify, recipients must:
- Be born on or before September 21, 1959
- Have lived in Scotland on at least the last day of the qualifying week (Monday, September 15 to Sunday, September 21, 2025)
Non-Eligibility Conditions
You will not be eligible if:
- You were hospitalized for free treatment for the entire qualifying week and the preceding 52 weeks
- You were in custody under a court sentence during the qualifying week
- Your immigration status restricts access to public funds
Special Conditions for Those in Residential Care
If you reside in a care home or non-NHS hospital, the following rules apply:
Eligible Residents
- Born on or before September 21, 1959
- Living in Scotland
Ineligible Residents
You won’t qualify if:
- You were in residential care all week (September 15–21)
- Entered care before June 23, 2025
- Received any of the following benefits during the qualifying week:
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
Payment Breakdown
| Circumstance | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Pensioners in residential care | £101.70 |
| Single pensioners (born Sept 22, 1945 – Sept 21, 1959) | £203.40 |
| Single pensioners (born before Sept 22, 1945) | £305.10 |
You can use the online checker at MYGOV.SCOT to confirm the exact amount you’ll receive. Payments depend on factors like:
- Your age
- Age of other eligible individuals in your household
- Whether you receive other benefits
- Your residency status (e.g., in care or not)
How to Opt Out
From August 28, 2025, eligible individuals will be able to opt out of receiving PAWHP. This can be done by filling out an opt-out form on the official MYGOV.SCOT website.
Important
If you opt out, you won’t receive future payments unless you manually opt back in by contacting Social Security Scotland.
Application Requirement
While most pensioners will receive the payment automatically, a small number will need to submit an application. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2026.
The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment offers crucial financial assistance to older residents in Scotland during the colder months.
With automatic payments, a clear eligibility structure, and transparent opt-out procedures, the new system simplifies and enhances winter support for pensioners.
Make sure to check your status using the MYGOV.SCOT tool, especially if you live in residential care or receive joint benefits. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out on your rightful entitlement.
FAQs
Payments will begin in November 2025 and continue throughout the winter. A letter will be sent beforehand with the payment details.
Most people won’t need to apply. However, a small group must do so before March 31, 2026, especially if not automatically identified.
Yes, but only under certain conditions. If you’ve been in care since before June 23, 2025, and receive specific benefits, you may not qualify.
0 Comments