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 will not get the payment in future years unless you contact us and 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 the current winter period. You will not get any payments for winter 2027 to 2028 onwards.

How to opt out

You can opt out of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment here.

Opt out of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

The online form for opting out will be available until midday on 19 October 2026. 

You can also opt out by calling us.

If you opted out before

You will not get the payment if you’ve previously 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.