Winter Heating Payment Scotland – When Will It Be Paid?
As winter approaches, many Scottish residents are turning their attention to the Winter Heating Payment, a vital support scheme designed to help with energy bills during the colder months.
With various categories of payments now available, including the standard Winter Heating Payment (WHP) and the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP), it’s essential to understand when payments will arrive, how much individuals can expect, and whether action is required to receive them.
In this guide, we provide an in-depth, up-to-date overview of Scotland’s winter heating support, focusing on payment dates, eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and how the scheme differs from others such as the UK-wide Winter Fuel Payment.
What Is the Winter Heating Payment in Scotland?
The Winter Heating Payment (WHP) in Scotland is a government-funded initiative aimed at supporting individuals on low incomes or specific benefits with their heating expenses during winter.
It is administered by Social Security Scotland and replaces the Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment for Scottish residents.
There are three primary types of heating payments now available:
- Winter Heating Payment (WHP): A standard £59.75 payment for individuals receiving certain low-income or disability benefits.
- Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP): A replacement for the Winter Fuel Payment, available to residents of State Pension age, with amounts ranging from £101.70 to £305.10 depending on circumstances.
- Child Winter Heating Assistance: A separate payment for eligible children and young people receiving disability benefits.
These payments are generally issued automatically if the recipient meets the qualifying criteria during the designated qualifying week. No action is required for most people, although a small number may need to apply manually.
When Will the Winter Heating Payment Be Paid in Scotland?
One of the most common questions surrounding the Winter Heating Payment is timing. The Scottish Government has confirmed that payments for the 2025–2026 winter period will begin in November 2025, continuing through to February 2026.
Key Payment Timelines:
- Start Date: November 2025
- Payment Window: November 2025 – February 2026
- Letters Issued: From November 2025 onwards
- Deadline for Late Applications: 31 March 2026
The exact date of payment may vary between individuals based on when eligibility is confirmed and how benefits are processed. However, most eligible recipients will receive a confirmation letter before payment is made.
The payment will appear in the same bank account used for other benefits, such as a State Pension or Universal Credit.
To identify the payment, bank statements will typically display a reference code. For pensioners, the reference may appear as ‘PAWHP’, while others may simply see ‘WHP’.
Who Is Eligible for the Winter Heating Payment?
Eligibility for the Winter Heating Payment is determined based on an individual’s circumstances during a qualifying week, which for the 2025–2026 winter season is Monday 15 September to Sunday 21 September 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have been born on or before 21 September 1959 (for PAWHP)
- Must have resided in Scotland on at least one day during the qualifying week
- Must receive a qualifying benefit, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit (with specific elements)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Disability-related benefits
Individuals living in residential care or hospital for the entire qualifying week, or those in custody, may not be eligible. Furthermore, people with restricted immigration status preventing access to public funds will also be excluded.
How Much Is the Winter Heating Payment?
The amount awarded depends on the type of payment received, age, household structure, and whether certain benefits are claimed. Below is a breakdown of typical payment amounts.
Winter Heating Payment Breakdown:
| Payment Type | Amount | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| WHP | £59.75 | Low-income or disability benefit recipients |
| PAWHP – Lower | £101.70 | In residential care |
| PAWHP – Mid | £200.00 | Lives alone or no eligible partner |
| PAWHP – Shared | £150.00 | Living with another eligible pensioner |
| PAWHP – Joint Award | £305.10 | Joint award claimants on certain benefits |
The PAWHP replaces the former Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and has broader application for pensioners. It is issued once annually and varies depending on household circumstances.
Do You Need to Apply for the Winter Heating Payment?
Most people eligible for the Winter Heating Payment do not need to apply, as Social Security Scotland issues the payment automatically.
However, in specific cases an application is required, such as when the claimant has deferred their State Pension, when they are part of a couple where the main benefit claimant is under State Pension age, or when bank details or residency changed after the qualifying week.
If you fall into one of these categories, you can apply either by phone through Social Security Scotland’s helpline or by requesting and returning a paper form.
The deadline to submit applications is 31 March 2026, though extensions may be allowed where valid reasons are provided. Ensure you have your National Insurance number and bank details ready to avoid delays.
Can You Opt Out of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment?
Yes, eligible individuals can choose to opt out of receiving the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if they do not wish to receive it, particularly relevant for those with higher incomes who would have the amount reclaimed via tax.
To opt out:
- Use the online form (available until 10 October 2025)
- After this, contact Social Security Scotland directly by phone
If a person opts out after the payment decision is made, they will still receive the payment for the 2025–2026 winter season but will not receive it in future years unless they opt back in.
Those who have opted out previously through the UK Department for Work and Pensions will also not receive the payment unless they reapply through the Scottish system.
Will Your Payment Be Taxed or Taken Back?
A key point for pensioners receiving the PAWHP is whether the payment will be taxed or reclaimed. If your individual annual taxable income exceeds £35,000, HMRC will recover the payment.
This can happen either by adjusting your tax code for the 2026–2027 tax year or by including the amount in your 2025–2026 Self Assessment return. Importantly, the income test applies only to personal earnings, pensions, and taxable benefits, not combined household income.
Those who expect to fall above the threshold can also opt out in advance to avoid later deductions. Before doing so, it’s wise to review your income projections and seek guidance if unsure about your taxable position.
What Should You Do If You Haven’t Been Paid?
If the payment has not been received by March 2026, recipients should:
- Check eligibility using the official online tool
- Confirm if they need to apply
- Contact Social Security Scotland directly
Bank statements should be reviewed for codes such as ‘PAWHP’ or ‘WHP’, which indicate the payment has been made. If missing, delays could be due to eligibility disputes or outdated personal information.
How Does This Differ from the UK-Wide Winter Fuel Payment?
Scotland’s Winter Heating Payments, specifically the PAWHP, replace the Winter Fuel Payment that was previously administered UK-wide. This change is part of Scotland’s devolved social security system, allowing tailored support for Scottish residents.
Key distinctions include:
- Administration: Now handled by Social Security Scotland
- Automatic payments: Similar to the UK system but with Scottish eligibility rules
- Eligibility windows: Specific to Scottish residents and qualifying week
It is important for Scottish residents not to rely on UK-based communications about Winter Fuel Payments, as these no longer apply in Scotland.
Additional Support for Winter Heating Costs
In addition to the WHP and PAWHP, Scottish residents may also be eligible for other assistance to manage heating expenses:
- Warm Home Discount: A one-off discount on energy bills for low-income households
- Child Winter Heating Assistance: For children and young people with disabilities
- Local Council Support: Emergency funds or discretionary support for vulnerable households
Residents are encouraged to explore these options and apply through the appropriate channels if they require further help.
Summary of Key Differences Between WHP and PAWHP
| Feature | WHP | PAWHP |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | £59.75 | £101.70–£305.10 |
| Eligible Groups | Low-income, disability benefit recipients | People born on/before 21 Sept 1959 |
| Paid Automatically | Yes (mostly) | Yes (mostly) |
| Application Needed | Rarely | Sometimes (e.g., deferred pension) |
| Payment Period | Dec–Feb | Nov–Feb |
| Administered By | Social Security Scotland | Social Security Scotland |
Final Thoughts
The Winter Heating Payment scheme in Scotland plays a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable groups, particularly pensioners and low-income households, receive the support they need during the colder months.
With payments running between November 2025 and February 2026, and most recipients not needing to take action, the system aims to be as seamless as possible.
However, understanding eligibility, checking your bank statements, and being aware of tax implications remain important. If you believe you qualify but haven’t received a payment, or if your circumstances have changed, contact Social Security Scotland promptly to resolve any issues.
For those seeking extra help with winter heating bills, additional schemes and local support options are available and worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if I’m eligible for Winter Heating Payment in Scotland?
You can check eligibility using the online checker provided by the official authority. It assesses your age, benefits, and residency during the qualifying week.
What does PAWHP mean on my bank statement?
PAWHP stands for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and appears as the payment reference when funds are deposited into your account.
When should I expect my Winter Heating Payment in 2025?
Payments begin in November 2025 and continue until February 2026. Most people will receive theirs by the end of winter.
Can I receive Winter Heating Payment if I’m in residential care?
You may be eligible, but your payment amount may be reduced, or you might be excluded entirely if you’ve been in care throughout the qualifying week and receive specific benefits.
Do I need to apply for the Winter Heating Payment every year?
No. If you meet the criteria, the payment is made automatically. However, certain situations may require you to apply manually.
How is the amount of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment calculated?
The amount is based on your age, living arrangements, and whether you or someone you live with receives certain qualifying benefits.
What should I do if I haven’t received my Winter Heating Payment?
If you haven’t been paid by March 2026, confirm your eligibility and contact Social Security Scotland with your details to investigate further.
