Scottish Govt and DWP to Pay One-off Grant Worth Up to £367 for Pensioners This Year

Many elderly Scottish households can anticipate receiving a series of one-off payments, totalling up to £367 per home, as winter approaches.

Offered by the Scottish Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), these financial assistance payments are designed to ease the burden of escalating heating costs during the colder months.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

One of the most significant changes this year is the introduction of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP), a redesigned version of the former Winter Fuel Payment.

Previously run by the DWP, this crucial support system will now be managed by Social Security Scotland, underlining the devolved nation's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its ageing population.

The PAWHP is expected to mirror the payment schedule of its predecessor, with payments scheduled between November and January.

Eligible households can expect to receive up to £300, a substantial sum designed to offset the financial pressure of increased heating needs during the winter months.

PAWHP Eligibility Criteria

Whether you are eligible for PAWHP depends on the State Pension age of the people living in a household, as well as their specific circumstances.

Various factors such as being over 60 or 80, living alone or as a couple, and the age disparity between partners will all be taken into account during the September reference week.

It is expected that payment rates will range between £100 and £300 per person, with typical households with two occupants likely to receive between £200 and £300 in total.

This multi-tiered system ensures that financial assistance is tailored to the unique needs of each eligible household.

Eligibility Nuances for Residential Care

People in residential care homes will be eligible for PAWHP and Winter Fuel Allowance in much the same way as under the old Winter Fuel Allowance. There are, however, a few nuances to be noted.

Those living in a care home during the reference week, as well as during the 12 weeks preceding it, may not be entitled to the full rate of PAWHP.

Instead, they may be entitled to a reduced payment of £100 (for those aged 66-79) or £150 (for those aged 80 and over). This adjustment takes into account the housing and heating costs shared by the residents.

In addition, people in residential care who receive specific benefits listed by the Scottish Government may not be entitled to any allowance. In fact, their care and accommodation costs, including heating costs, are generally covered by public funds from local authorities.

Scottish Winter Heating Payment

In parallel with the PAWHP, Scotland has introduced its own dedicated benefit, the Winter Heating Payment. This one-off payment, worth £58.75 for the coming winter season, replaces the now defunct Cold Weather Payment, which was administered by the DWP.

Unlike its predecessor, which was dependent on prolonged periods of low temperatures in certain localities, the Winter Heating Payment is an annual payment that is not linked to weather conditions.

Its aim is to provide financial assistance to low-income households and recipients of benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit and Income Support, who may face additional heating costs during the winter months.

Who is Eligible?

Winter Heating Payment is available only to those living in Scotland who :

• Get a particular benefit – this is the ‘qualifying benefit’
• Get the qualifying benefit on at least one day in the first full week of November – this is the ‘qualifying week’
• Meet one other specific requirement of their qualifying benefit

Given last year's precedent, the majority of payments should be distributed in November.

Previous Qualifying Weeks for Winter Heating Payment