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New fuel payment for pensioners in Scotland, coming winter 2025

A new version of the Winter Fuel Payment will be given to people in Scotland later this year to help them pay their heating bills.

The Scottish Government has announced that people living in Scotland who receive certain benefits like Pension Credit will get up to £300 through the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in late 2025.

The payment will be limited to one per household and the exact amount people will receive will depend on their age – but all pensioners will be eligible for at least £100.

It comes on the back of the UK Government changing the eligibility criteria of the Winter Fuel Payment for people living in England and Wales.

The new payment in Scotland was initially going to be launched in 2024, but budget restrictions meant the Scottish Government has delayed its introduction.

The new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will be paid automatically to those who qualify, with payments coming from Social Security Scotland.

There will be no Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland for 2024, however, some people will get a single payment called Winter Heating Payment.

Anyone claiming benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Related Employment Support will receive this payment automatically in their bank account between December 2024 and February 2025.

Pension Credit remains one of the most unclaimed benefits in the UK, with around £2 billion going unclaimed last year.

To be eligible for pension credit, people need to be above state pension age and have an income less that £218.15 a week or less than £332.95 as a joint weekly income with a partner. However, savings are taken into account. People can check their eligibility on the UK Government’s website.

If you are struggling with your heating bills, the Trust may be able to help. It currently has two energy support funds open to people with up to £2,000 of energy debt. There is other criteria that must be met, please check your eligibility and apply here.