Payments, grants and discounts to help with energy bills
The Scottish Government has decided to take a similar approach to the UK Government for our Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
From winter 2025 onwards, all pensioners will receive between £101.70 and £305.10, depending on age. This means pensioners in Scotland will be better off compared to those in the rest of the UK.
The Scottish Government is in discussion with the UK Government to extend the proposed arrangements in England and Wales. If you are a pensioner with a taxable income over £35,000, HMRC will take back your Pension Age Winter Heating Payment through the tax system.
HMRC will take back the payment automatically. You do not need to register with HMRC or take any further action.
Check what help you could get with your energy bill.
Warm Home Discount
You can get £150 off your electricity bill if you qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme.
To get it you need to either:
- get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- be on a low income and meet your energy supplier's criteria
Check if you can get the Warm Home Discount.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
You could get between £101.70 and £305.10 to help towards your heating bills.
To get the payment for winter 2025, you need to be born on or before 21 September 1959.
Find out more about Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Winter Heating Payment
Winter Heating Payment has replaced Cold Weather Payment in Scotland. It helps people on low income benefits who might have extra heating needs.
It’s paid once a year. The payment for winter 2025 to 2026 is £59.75.
Most people do not need to apply. You’ll get this payment automatically if you qualify.
You could qualify if you get certain benefits, like:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
Check if you can get the Winter Heating Payment.
Child Winter Heating Payment
Child Winter Heating Payment used to be called Child Winter Heating Assistance. It helps disabled children, young people and their families who might have extra heating needs.
It’s paid once a year. The payment for winter 2025-2026 is £255.80.
Most people do not need to apply. You’ll get this payment automatically if you qualify.
Check if you can get the Child Winter Heating Payment.
Scottish Welfare Fund
The Scottish Welfare Fund is made up of 2 different grants to support people in crisis and to help people live independently within the community.
One of these is a Crisis Grant. It can help to cover heating costs in a disaster or emergency.
You can only apply through your local council.
Find out more and learn how to apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Check you’re paying the right amount for your energy bills
If you think you’re paying too much for energy, contact the Money Talk Team. They can make sure you're not paying too much for gas or electricity.
The Money Talk Team service offers free money and debt advice.
The service can help you understand what you’re entitled to and ways to save money.
It can help you find out:
- what benefits and other financial support you may be entitled to
- how you can manage debt
- ways to save money on your bills
You can get more information on the Money Talk Team website or by calling 0800 028 1456. You can also visit your local Citizens Advice Scotland for in person support.
Help to make your home warmer
Get practical advice to help make your home warmer.
Funding for energy saving home improvements
Check if you get funding for energy saving improvements.
More help with energy costs
Help is available if you cannot afford to pay your energy bills.