Social Security Experience Panels - Pension Age Winter Heating Payment: visual summary

Eligibility criteria and value of payments

Survey respondents were asked how clear and easy to understand they found the criteria for different values of payment. Most respondents (70 per cent) agreed that the eligibility criteria were clear. Just over one in ten (14 per cent) disagreed.

There was no clear consensus on the value of the payments, with mixed responses. Slightly more respondents agreed (41 per cent) than disagreed (34 per cent) that the value of payments was appropriate.

However, there was a clear distinction between responses from respondents who live in different locations. Slightly more than half (51 per cent) of urban respondents agreed that the value of payments is appropriate, compared to only 15 per cent of rural respondents.

Some respondents suggested that the value of the payment should be higher, referencing increasing costs of living over time.

Quote from panel member:

“I feel the payments should be higher for people on low incomes than people who have higher incomes. The amount hasn't been changed for a long time and should be brought in line with current costs.”

Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of survey respondents agreed with maintaining the value of payments for people in residential care. Respondents who had caring responsibilities were more likely to agree with the payment rate for those in residential care compared to non-carers.

Around three-fifths (61 per cent) of respondents agreed that people in residential care who are in receipt of Pension Credit should not receive PAWHP. However, a fifth (20 per cent) disagreed.

Almost all (91 per cent) survey respondents agreed that PAWHP should continue to be provided as a one-off payment each winter. Similarly, almost all (95 per cent) survey respondents agreed that PAWHP should be provided as a cash payment directly into a client’s bank account.

Almost nine in ten (88 per cent) survey respondents agreed that people should be able to opt out of receiving the payment.