The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) will be issued to eligible pensioners in Scotland starting in November. This initiative is designed to help pensioners cover the costs of heating their homes during the colder months, providing financial support to those who need it most.
The payments, which range from £101.70 to £305.10, depend on factors such as the pensioner’s age and household type. This program aims to alleviate some of the financial pressure caused by rising energy costs, a significant concern for many older residents. Understanding eligibility, payment rates, and how to claim is important for recipients.
Who Will Receive the Payment and How Much?
The Scottish Government has set out specific payment amounts for eligible pensioners based on their age and living situation. For pensioners living in residential care, the payment will be £101.70. Single pensioners born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959, will receive £203.40, while those born before September 22, 1945, will receive the maximum amount of £305.10.
For a precise breakdown of payments, pensioners should refer to official government resources. Payments will be directly deposited into the same account where pensioners receive their State Pension or other benefits from Social Security Scotland, marked with the reference “PAWHP.”
According to Daily Record, the Scottish Government aims to help approximately 880,000 pensioners this year, acknowledging the increasing strain of higher energy costs on older households.
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible for the Payment?
To qualify for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, pensioners must meet several criteria. They must be born on or before September 21, 1959, and must have lived in Scotland at least on the last day of the qualifying week, which ran from September 15 to September 21, 2025. This is the qualifying week used to determine eligibility.
However, there are some exclusions, such as pensioners who were in hospital or prison during the entire qualifying week. Those living in residential care may also face specific exclusions. For instance, if pensioners were in care for the full qualifying week, or if they started their stay in care before June 23, 2025, they may not be eligible.
Additionally, pensioners receiving benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit may need to apply manually, especially if they are part of a couple with one partner under State Pension age.
The pensioners who are eligible will have the payment automatically processed unless their situation requires them to apply by the deadline, which is March 31, 2026. Importantly, if a pensioner’s income exceeds £35,000, the payment will be recovered through the Self-Assessment system during the 2026/27 tax year.
How to Check Your Payment Amount
To assist with understanding how much a pensioner might receive, the Scottish Government has set up an online payment checker on the MYGOV.SCOT website. This tool helps pensioners determine the exact payment based on their age, living situation, and eligibility for other benefits. It’s highly recommended that pensioners use this checker to ensure they’re receiving the correct amount.
If you have an income over £35,000, keep in mind that your payment will be reclaimed via PAYE or Self-Assessment. The Scottish Government aims to make the process as straightforward as possible, with most pensioners automatically receiving the payment if they qualify.
A Crucial Lifeline for Scottish Pensioners
With winter fast approaching, pensioners across Scotland will find the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment a vital support in these challenging times. In addition to providing financial assistance for heating costs, the initiative reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to treating older residents with dignity and fairness.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, Social Justice Secretary, stated,
At least 880,000 pensioners in Scotland are estimated to benefit from the payment. And with the recent announcement on increasing energy costs, this could be a valuable lifeline for older people in Scotland.
For many, this payment will offer a degree of financial relief as they face the increasing cost of living, particularly during the coldest months of the year. The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that older Scots get the support they need, now and in future winters.
