DWP Cold Weather Payments Scrapped and Replaced for Over One Million Households
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially scrapped its Cold Weather Payments scheme for more than one million households across the United Kingdom. This significant change means that residents in Scotland can no longer receive Cold Weather Payments but may now be eligible for an annual Winter Heating Payment instead, according to the latest DWP announcement.
New Winter Heating Payments Roll Out in Scotland
In Scotland, the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment began distribution in November 2025. To date, more than 1,009,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have been issued north of the border, marking a major shift in how winter support is administered. The remaining payments, which vary in value depending on individual circumstances, are scheduled to arrive over the coming weeks.
The devolved Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has completely replaced the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland for all individuals aged 66 and over who have a Scottish postcode. This new payment is delivered by Social Security Scotland and is specifically designed to assist with heating costs during the colder winter months. For context, the Child Winter Heating Payment is set at £255.80, while the standard Winter Heating Payment amounts to £59.75.
Payment Values and Eligibility Details
The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment comes in three tiers: £101.70, £203.40, or £305.10, depending on the recipient's specific circumstances. Importantly, most people do not need to apply for these payments, as they are issued automatically to eligible households. Social Security Scotland has initiated a process of sending letters to all recipients starting from November, and an online eligibility checker is available to help residents determine if they qualify and estimate their payment amount.
David Wallace, Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland, emphasized: "This payment ensures pensioners receive vital support during the winter months. It's important to highlight that most people do not need to do anything and will receive this payment automatically. There is an eligibility checker online that can help residents find out if they will get the payment and how much they are likely to receive."
Contrast with England and Wales
South of the border, the traditional Cold Weather Payment scheme remains in effect for England and Wales. So far this winter, an estimated over £35 million in Cold Weather Payments has been issued to eligible households in these regions, with final figures to be confirmed at the end of the payment season in March 2026. Under this scheme, payments of £25 are automatically made when the average temperature in a postcode area is recorded or forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026, and payments are distributed within 14 working days of a cold weather trigger. Notably, individuals earning over £35,000 have the option to opt out of receiving the Winter Heating Payment in Scotland, with a deadline set for 10 October each year.
This overhaul represents a pivotal change in the UK's approach to winter financial support, aiming to provide more tailored assistance to households during the challenging colder seasons.
