Residents of State Pension age in Orkney are being reminded that they will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland this winter.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland. Most people will receive the payment automatically – no action is needed.
The payment of between £101.70 and £305.10 will be made to most eligible people from November 2025. It will be paid into the same bank account as their State Pension or Social Security Scotland benefit.
Who qualifies
According to the National Records of Scotland, there are around 5,000 people of pensionable age in Orkney.
To be eligible this winter, residents must have been born on or before 21 September 1959 and lived in Scotland during the qualifying week of 15-21 September 2025. The payment amount depends on age, household circumstances, and whether certain benefits are received.
It is estimated that over 1 million pensioners in Scotland will receive Pension Age Winter Heating 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 Tax return by HMRC. Those in this position may choose to opt out of receiving the payment, to avoid the tax recovery process.
A small number of people may need to apply for the payment, including people who have deferred their state pension.
The public should beware of scams around winter heating payments. Social Security Scotland will not request any personal information to be shared via email or text message.
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 10 October.”
Getting help
For more information on Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and to access the online eligibility checker visit mygov.scot/pensionheating
Opting Out Links
The online form for opting out is available on the website until midday on 10 October 2025. From 13 October people can opt out by contacting Social Security Scotland directly.
For more information : How Pension Age Winter Heating Payment works
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