Winter Fuel Payments will be replaced by a newly introduced devolved lump sum from the Scottish government later on this year. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) is set to be provided on a like-for-like basis to its Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) counterpart and paid to everyone over the state pension age, every year.
In a recent consultation, plans were outlined regarding how the payment is made as well as eligibility and proposed payment rates taking into account age and household circumstances. Under PAWHP, all Scots who would currently qualify for Winter Fuel Payment would continue to get the same level of assistance but through Social Security Scotland.
The Scottish Government also emphasised that payments would remain un means-tested and tax-free. It has said: “Based on estimates of eligible claimants, in its first year (2024/25), PAWHP will cost around £180m by providing support to more than one million eligible individuals.”
Winter Heating Payment Schedule and Eligibility Criteria
Winter Fuel Payments have historically been paid automatically to qualified homes between November and January, just before the onset of coldest weather. The PAWHP will similarly follow this timing and automation process.
The eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment is tied to whether household members are over 66 or over 80 years old as well as their living arrangement e.g. single, couples or mixed age households in the qualifying week of September. This is not anticipated to change.
According to the advice on GOV.SCOT, sums paid will be £100, £150, £200 or £300 per person. A typical case would include a home with two eligible people receiving around £200-£300 in total.
Household eligibility criteria for payment rates
| Household Circumstances | Aged 66-79 | Aged 80+ |
| You qualify and live alone (or live with someone who does not qualify for PAWHP) | £200 | £300 |
| You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies | £100 | £200 |
| You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies | £100 | £150 |
| You qualify, live in residential care, and you do not receive certain benefits (e.g. Pension Credit) | £100 | £150 |
| You qualify, live in residential care, and you do receive certain benefits (e.g. Pension Credit) | £0 | £0 |
The guidance says: “We expect to retain these current payment values. On average, a normal family where the eldest person is under 80 would receive £200 while that containing an octogenarian gets £300. There are exceptions for residents of care homes.”
Residential Care Eligibility
Individuals in residential care and their eligibility will be subject to the same criterion as that of the Winter Fuel Payment. The guidance states:"People living in residential care during the qualifying week and prior 12 weeks do not receive a ‘full’ rate of Winter Fuel Payment."
In addition, those receiving free personal expenses will also be eligible for winter fuel payments of £100 at ages 66-79 or £150 at age 80 and above. This rate also applies to Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Because others are paid who have equal claim for Heating cost within accommodation where residents are being cared for is why this statement was written in this document.
Moreover, "Residential care residents on any one of these benefits do not receive any money." Previously, if you were a resident of a home for older persons whose income related benefits covered your care & housing costs including heating then it was paid for by the local Council using taxpayers' money
"In most cases, the elderly population that receives Pension Credit is still not entitled to get a WFP."