State pensioners in Scotland aged over 80 could receive a bonus payment of £316.70 in November 2026. The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is set to be issued to eligible state pensioners from November, with most recipients paid automatically and no application required.
The payment is designed to help people of State Pension age who live in Scotland cover their heating bills. It is paid once a year and has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland. Those eligible will receive a letter confirming their payment, with letters being sent from November 2026.
Who qualifies for the £316.70 payment
If you were aged 80 or over, meaning you were born before 28 September 1946, you will receive £316.70. Most eligible people will be paid automatically, with payments starting from November 2026 and continuing throughout the winter months. A letter will be sent before payment to confirm the amount.
The payment will be made into the same bank account as your State Pension or any Social Security Scotland benefits you receive. You can identify the payment on your bank statement by the reference code, which will include ‘PAWHP’, standing for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
When you may need to apply
You might need to apply for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if you have deferred your State Pension since you were last paid the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment or the Winter Fuel Payment. You may also need to apply if you are part of a couple with a joint award for Pension Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support or Universal Credit, and the main person receiving that benefit is under State Pension age.
If you are eligible and none of these situations apply to you, you will be paid automatically. For those who need to apply, Social Security Scotland can be contacted free on 0800 182 2222, with lines open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.
