Hundreds of thousands of pensioners across Scotland have begun receiving winter heating support as payments land in bank accounts ahead of colder weather.
Scotland’s Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has started reaching households across the country.
The Scottish Government said at least 880,000 pensioners are expected to benefit from the scheme.
Ministers confirmed that initial payments have now been processed.
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Further payments will continue to be made throughout the winter period.
Eligible recipients of the state pension will receive between £101.70 and £305.10.
The exact amount depends on individual circumstances.
Most pensioners will receive the payment automatically.
In the vast majority of cases, no application is required.
All eligible recipients will receive a letter confirming the amount paid and how it was calculated.
All eligible recipients will receive a letter confirming the amount paid and how it was calculated
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Pensioners with taxable income above £35,000 will not keep the full payment.
The money will be clawed back through the tax system during the 2026/27 financial year.
The Scottish Government said this approach is designed to target support at those most in need.
Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the payment comes as households face ongoing cost pressures.
She said: "We know that energy costs are too high, and that this will affect households across Scotland this winter.
"Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide vital support for thousands of older people to help heat their homes and manage costs throughout the colder months."
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She said energy costs are too high
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The cabinet secretary said the system has been designed to reduce administrative burden.
Ms Somerville said: "People over the age of 66 don't need to do anything in the vast majority of cases, the payment will be made automatically to help towards a warmer winter."
The scheme is intended to help older people manage higher energy bills during the coldest months of the year.
Payment levels vary depending on age and living arrangements.
Pensioners living in care homes will receive £101.70.
Single pensioners born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 will receive £203.40.
The highest payment of £305.10 will be paid to single pensioners born before September 22 1945.
Money will be paid directly into the same bank account used for state pension or Social Security Scotland payments.
Recipients can identify the payment using the reference "PAWHP".
A full breakdown of payments for single pensioners and couples is available online.
Details covering different age combinations and household arrangements are published on the MyGov.Scot website.
An online calculator allows pensioners to check how much they should receive.
The tool takes into account age, household composition and benefit status.
Recipients must have been living in Scotland on at least the final day of the qualifying week.
Some groups are excluded from the payment.
Pensioners who spent the entire qualifying week and the previous 52 weeks receiving free hospital treatment are not eligible.
Those serving a court-imposed custodial sentence throughout the qualifying week are also excluded.
People who require permission to enter the UK and whose visa conditions prohibit access to public funds will not receive the payment.
The amount paid can also depend on whether someone lives with another eligible pensioner.
Residential care status is another factor used to determine entitlement.
Receipt of certain benefits jointly with a partner can also affect eligibility.
A small number of pensioners will need to apply for the payment.
This includes people who have chosen to defer their state pension.
The Scottish Government said the measure ensures winter heating support is focused on those who need it most
| SCOTTISH PARLIAMENTCouples receiving joint awards for Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Universal Credit may also need to apply.
An application is required if the main claimant in those cases has not yet reached state pension age.
The deadline for applications is March 31, 2026.
The MyGov.Scot website provides guidance on whether an application is necessary.
Pensioners with taxable earnings above £35,000 a year will have the payment recovered by HMRC in the 2026/27 tax year.
The Scottish Government said the measure ensures winter heating support is focused on those who need it most.
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