Winter fuel payment in Scotland: who gets it, how much and when
Scotland pays its own version now. Most pensioners get it without applying, but anyone with income over £35,000 hands it back through tax.
By Graeme · Published 29 October 2026 · 4 min read
Last updated · Figures checked
Quick answer · Winter fuel payment Scotland, winter 2026 to 2027
£105.55 to £316.70
Paid as Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from November 2026 to people born on or before 27 June 1960. Most people don't need to apply.
- Living alone, up to 79
- £211.15
- Living alone, 80 or over
- £316.70
- Income over £35,000
- HMRC takes it back
- Not paid by March 2027
- Call Social Security Scotland
Winter 2026 to 2027Source mygov.scot
On this page
There's no Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland any more. Scotland has its own version called Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, paid by Social Security Scotland instead of the . This winter it's between £105.55 and £316.70, and most people get it without applying.
Winter fuel payment for pensioners: who gets it
For winter 2026 to 2027 you need to have:
- been born on or before 27 June 1960
- lived in Scotland on at least the last day of the week, Monday 21 September to Sunday 27 September 2026
You can be left out if you spent the whole week and the year before it in hospital getting free treatment, if you were in custody for the whole week, or if your visa says no public funds. Some people in care homes on benefits aren't either.
Do all pensioners get winter fuel allowance?
Nearly all do, but not everyone keeps it. If your own income is over £35,000 a year, takes the payment back through the tax system. That's your income alone, not you and your partner together. So a couple where each has £20,000 keeps it.
How much is the winter fuel payment?
It depends on your age, who you live with and whether you get certain benefits.
Winter 2026 to 2027
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
| Your situation in the qualifying week | You get |
|---|---|
| Living alone, aged up to 79 | £211.15 |
| Living alone, aged 80 or over | £316.70 |
| Living with another eligible person, no qualifying benefits, both under 80 | £105.55 |
| Living with another eligible person, no qualifying benefits, both 80 or over | £158.35 |
| Couple on a joint qualifying benefit like Pension Credit, both under 80 | £211.15 shared |
| Couple on a joint qualifying benefit, either of you 80 or over | £316.70 shared |
When is the winter fuel payment paid?
Payments start from November 2026 and carry on through winter. You get a letter first telling you how much. The money goes into the same account as your State Pension and shows on your statement with PAWHP in the reference.
If you haven't been paid by the start of March 2027, contact Social Security Scotland. A small number of people do have to apply, and the checker on mygov.scot tells you if that's you.
Winter fuel payment and PIP
Getting PIP or Adult Disability Payment doesn't change this payment. It's based on age and where you live. Disability can matter for a different payment though. If you're under pension age and on certain benefits, look at Winter Heating Payment, which is £62.00 and also automatic.
Why Scotland's is different
Some benefits have been to the Scottish Government and replaced with Social Security Scotland versions. Winter Fuel Payment is one. The name changed and Social Security Scotland pays it, but for most pensioners it still arrives on its own each winter.
Check what you'll get
The mygov.scot checker asks your date of birth, who you live with and what benefits you get, then tells you the amount and whether you need to apply.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
