The Winter Fuel Payment is going to be replaced in Scotland, and people are being encouraged to have their say on the matter.
The Scottish Government will replace the payment with a new benefit, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) on a like-for-like basis, next winter.
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on the matter, in a bid to gather evidence on “people’s views of the current benefit” and to consider how they could “improve the system already in place”.
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The Scottish Government said they want to gather views to make sure they have “identified the impacts this policy will have”.
The consultation period could be an opportunity to make improvements to the benefit
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They hope it will also provide the opportunity to “make improvements to the benefit going forward”.
The consultation paper was published on October 23 this year and people are invited to respond by January 15, 2024.It’s possible to respond to online via the consultation website.
Responses to the questions can also be sent via email to WinterBenefitsPolicy@gov.scot or by post to:
Social Security Policy Division
Welfare Fund and Winter Benefits Policy Unit
150 Broomielaw
5 Atlantic Quay
Glasgow
G2 8LU
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a benefit intended to help older people pay their heating bills during the colder months.
People born before September 25, 1957 could get between £250 and £600 this year.
The amount includes a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment this year, worth between £150 and £300.
Most people will get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.
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The Winter Fuel Payment will be worth between £250 and £600 this year
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The DWP should send a letter to people eligible in October or November, stating how much they will get.
If a person thinks they’re eligible but hasn’t got a letter, they might need to make a claim. They can check this online on the government website.
Most eligible people will be paid in November or December.
If a person who thinks they’re eligible hasn’t got a letter or received the money by January 26, 2024, then they should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
