Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

What is Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is a benefit for adults of State Pension age or over who live in Scotland.  It’s paid once a year to help with energy bills in winter. 

Who can get a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?

You can get a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if you live in Scotland, and you are pension age or over on any day in the qualifying week.  The qualifying week for 2025 was from 15 to 21 September.

Who cannot get a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?

You will not be able to get a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if throughout the qualifying week you:

• Had been in hospital getting free treatment for over a year and were in hospital during the qualifying week 
• Were in prison for the whole of the qualifying week 
• Had been living in a care home for the qualifying week, at least 12 weeks prior

How much is Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?

The amount of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment you get will depend on your age, the age of anyone else eligible that you live with, and both of your circumstances - for example, if either of you gets certain benefits.

You'll get a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10.

If your income is over £35,000, you’ll need to pay your Pension Age Winter Heating Payment back.  This will be collected by HMRC. 

How will I be paid a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?

Payments are made from November 2025 and continue throughout the winter.   It will be paid directly into the bank or building society account where you are normally paid your State Pension or Social Security Scotland benefits.  

If you haven’t been paid a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment by 31 January 2026 and think you are entitled to one, you should contact Social Security Scotland by telephoning them on 0800 182 2222.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and other benefits

A Pension Age Winter Heating Payment does not affect any other benefits you may be entitled to.