Renfrewshire residents of State Pension age are being reminded that they will receive the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland this winter.
The payment, which has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland, will be made automatically to most people – no action is needed.
Amounts range from £101.70 to £305.10 depending on age, household circumstances and whether certain benefits are received. Payments will begin in November 2025, going directly into the same bank account as a State Pension or Social Security Scotland benefit.
According to the National Records of Scotland, there are around 35,000 people of pensionable age in Renfrewshire.
To be eligible this winter, residents must have been born on or before 21st September 1959 and lived in Scotland during the qualifying week of 15th to 21st September 2025.
It is estimated that more than 1 million pensioners across Scotland will receive the payment. However, around 169,000 people will have it recovered through the tax system if they do not opt out.
Pensioners with a taxable annual income over £35,000 will have the payment taken back through their tax code or Self Assessment return by HMRC. They can choose to opt out of receiving it to avoid this process.
A small number of people may need to apply for the payment, such as those who have deferred their State Pension.
David Wallace, Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland, said:
“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. Social Security Scotland will begin sending letters to everyone who will receive a payment from November.
“Those earning over £35,000 may prefer to opt out of receiving the payment and can do this online until 10th October.”
The online form for opting out is available at mygov.scot/pensionheating until midday on 10th October 2025. From 13th October, people can opt out by contacting Social Security Scotland directly.
Natalie Don-Innes, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, said: “With the recent news of energy prices rising again, the Scottish Government’s action on re-instating payments to help pensioners with their winter heating bills will be welcomed by pensioner households.
“Most pensioners will receive the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment automatically, with the payment paid into the same bank account as their State Pension or Social Security Scotland benefit.
“The payment of between £101.70 and £305.10 will be made to most eligible people from November 2025.
“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. Social Security Scotland will begin sending letters to everyone who will receive a payment from November.”