Government data showed there were around 150,000 pension credit applications in the 16 weeks since Rachel Reeves announced she was means-testing the help with energy bills.

Scots missing out on the benefit this year will receive the extra cash in winter 2025.

The new system ditches the Labour Government plan which strips 900,000 Scots of a payment.

Pensioners in Scotland are set to get help with energy costs after winter fuel payments across the UK were cut by the government.

Pensioners based in Scotland are set to receive a new energy bill benefit after losing access to up to £300 offered in Winter Fuel Payment support, the Scottish Government has confirmed

The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) is encouraging Pension Credit applications because it could hand state pensioners a £300 or £200 Winter Fuel Allowance.

The SNP-led administration at Holyrood said every pensioner in Scotland will receive a winter heating payment next year.