Independent Age has published a free guide encouraging older people to check what financial support they could receive this winter. The updated Winterwise booklet offers practical information on managing household bills, keeping warm and accessing financial help during the colder months.
What the guide covers
The 28-page guide details a range of support available to pensioners, including Scotland's Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, worth between £105.55 and £316.70, Pension Credit and the £150 Warm Home Discount. The advice comes as Social Security Scotland prepares to send letters to eligible pensioners about their winter heating entitlement from November.
Independent Age is also encouraging older people to check whether they qualify for benefits that could increase their income and help with essential household costs. The charity's free Winterwise guide is available through its website or by calling 0800 319 6789. It can also be requested in alternative formats, including large print and audio CD.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced Winter Fuel Payment for people living in Scotland. The annual payment is worth between £105.55 and £316.70, depending on individual circumstances. Most eligible pensioners will receive the money automatically without needing to apply, with payments made into the same bank account used for their State Pension or Social Security Scotland benefits.
People with an individual annual income above £35,000 will have the payment recovered by HMRC through the tax system if they did not opt out by the October 19 deadline. The threshold applies to individual income rather than a couple's combined income. A small number of people may need to apply for the payment, with further details available on MYGOV.SCOT.
Winter Heating Payment and Warm Home Discount
Some people receiving certain benefits in Scotland may also qualify for a £62 Winter Heating Payment. This separate payment is designed to help people on low incomes with additional heating costs during winter. Unlike the Cold Weather Payment available in England and Wales, Scotland's Winter Heating Payment does not depend on temperatures falling below a particular level.
Social Security Scotland has confirmed that eligible people will receive the payment automatically from December and throughout the winter. Those who qualify will receive a letter or email confirming the payment, which will appear as 'WHP' on their bank statement.
The Winterwise guide also highlights the £150 Warm Home Discount, which helps eligible households with their energy costs. The discount is applied to an electricity bill rather than paid directly into a bank account. Eligibility rules differ between Scotland and the rest of Great Britain.
In Scotland, more households receiving qualifying means-tested benefits will be considered for automatic discounts during the 2026/27 scheme year. However, some people may still need to apply directly to their energy supplier under the Scottish Broader Group scheme. People receiving Pension Credit and certain other benefits may qualify, depending on the scheme's conditions.
Pension Credit and other help
Independent Age is also encouraging older people on low incomes to check their entitlement to Pension Credit. The benefit provides additional financial support of around £4,500 a year for people who have reached State Pension age and can open access to other help, including Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit and assistance with health costs. Some people may qualify even if they receive a State Pension or have savings.
People can check their entitlement using the GOV.UK Pension Credit Calculator or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. The charity's guide also highlights financial assistance for households struggling to afford their energy bills, including hardship funds offered by energy suppliers, grants to improve home energy efficiency and additional support for customers who are in debt.
In Scotland, people can contact Home Energy Scotland for free advice on reducing energy costs and improving the efficiency of their property. The service can also provide information about available funding, including support through Warmer Homes Scotland. Home Energy Scotland can be contacted on 0808 808 2282.
Independent Age also offers free benefits checks to help older people identify financial support they may be missing out on. Its helpline is available on 0800 319 6789, Monday to Friday, from 8.30am until 5.30pm. The full Winterwise guide can be viewed on the Independent Age website.
