Heating Allowances Differ In Scotland and England

1st December 2025

Pensioners in Scotland receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP), which replaced the UK's Winter Fuel Payment (WFP).

The main difference is that while the PAWHP is paid to most pensioners in Scotland, it is recovered through the tax system for those with a taxable income of over £35,000.

In contrast, the WFP in England has eligibility restrictions based on living circumstances and not just income.

Pensioners in Scotland
Payment: The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) is paid by Social Security Scotland to help with winter heating costs.

Eligibility: Most people of State Pension age will receive a payment automatically.

Tax Recovery: Payments are recovered through the tax system for those with a taxable annual income over £35,000.

Amount: For 2025/26, the payment is either £203.40 for households with no one aged 80 or over, or £305.10 for households where at least one person is aged 80 or over.

Pensioners in England
Payment: The Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Eligibility: Eligibility depends on age and living circumstances, not just income.

Amount: The amount is determined by your age and who you live with. For example, a single person aged 80 or over could receive £300.

Tax Recovery: Payments are not recovered from those with an income over £35,000. Instead, eligibility is restricted for certain groups, such as those living in a care home.

In Scotland, Winter Heating Payments for 2025 will be made automatically between December 2025 and February 2026, depending on when Social Security Scotland processes your eligibility.