Pension Age Winter Heating Payment : Island Communities Impact Assessment

The Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) carried out in relation to the Winter Heating Assistance (Pension Age) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025


Implementation and delivery plan

91. From winter 2025/26, under the revised policy of PAWHP, pensioners in Scotland living on an income of £35,000 or less will receive payments. will receive of £203.40 or £305.10, depending on their age. This will ensure that pensioner households most in need receive vital support during winter months.

92. PAWHP will be delivered by Social Security Scotland from winter 2025/26. A communications strategy is under development in advance of the introduction of universal eligibility to PAWHP, which will aim to ensure that individuals, the third sector, local government, and advice providers are aware of the expansion of PAWHP eligibility, and understand the eligibility criteria, as well as understand how and when recipients will receive the payment.

93. We anticipate regulations will be laid before Parliament on 25 August 2025 and subject to parliamentary approval, come into force on 11 October 2025.

Contact

Email: winterbenefitspolicy@gov.scot

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