Opt out of the payment

You can choose to opt out of getting Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

If you choose to opt out, you’ll not get the payment in future years unless you opt in again.

If you choose to opt out after a decision has been made on your payment, you'll still get a payment for this year. In this case, you’ll not get the payment from winter 2026 to 2027 onwards.

How to opt out

To opt out, you should contact Social Security Scotland by phone.

For winter 2025 to 2026, Social Security Scotland accepted opt-outs from people who previously told the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) they do not want the payment.

If you opted out before

You will not get the payment if you’ve opted out of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

If you want to opt in again

You can opt in for the current winter period until 31 March.

If you opt in after 31 March and want to get payment for the previous winter period, Social Security Scotland will consider your reason for the late request. If this cannot be accepted, you’ll get the payment in future years if you’re eligible.

To opt in again, contact Social Security Scotland by phone. You should do this even if you opted out through the DWP.

Find out what to do if you need help from Social Security Scotland.