Last month, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to Winter Fuel Payments.Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Vicky Shaw, PA Personal Finance Correspondent

07:31, 11 Jul 2025

Millions of pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams linked to Winter Fuel Payments after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) received 15,100 reports of bogus activity in June. Fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites.

Last month, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to Winter Fuel Payments. The revenue body is urging people to watch out for suspect communications and to report any suspect phone calls, emails or texts via GOV.UK here.

HMRC said it will never contact people by text to claim Winter Fuel Payments or request personal information – a statement echoed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) last month, shortly after it was announced some 9 million pensioners are set to receive between £100 and £300 later this year.

READ MORE: Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300 may need to be claimed by two groups of pensionersREAD MORE: People over State Pension age due up to £524 in one-off payments this year

HMRC said anyone who is eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment will receive the money automatically without having to make a claim.

HMRC added that any recovery of the payment for pensioners whose total income is over £35,000 will be collected via pay as you earn (PAYE) or self-assessment, depending on how the person pays tax on their income.

Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s chief security officer, said: “Don’t be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access your personal information.

“Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links.

“I’m urging people to be alert to scams relating to winter fuel payments and to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC.”

Winter Fuel Payments in Scotland

It’s important for older people in Scotland to be aware that they will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment as this has now been replaced by Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. This follows similar eligibility criteria to DWP, but will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland on November 30.

Full details can be found here – just be aware the Scottish Government has not yet updated the pages for winter 2025/26.

Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments

You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales.

When you will not be eligible

You will not be eligible if you:

  • live outside England and Wales
  • were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
  • need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
  • were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025

If you live in a care home

You can get Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home, however, you will not be eligible if both of the following apply:

  • you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier

Payments

DWP guidance explains: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible.

“If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.”

It’s important to be aware that scammers may try and trick you into making a claim by text, prompting you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP message and should be deleted. If you think you need to claim, follow the guidance on GOV.UK here.

The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 to 21 September 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.

If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment

You will get either:

  • £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment

Your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support

If you do not get any of the benefits

You will get a payment of:

  • £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 but the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945
  • £200 if you were born before September 22, 1945 but the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £150 if you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945

If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits

One of you will get a payment of either:

  • £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945

The money will be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into.

If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim)

You will get a payment of either:

  • £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

If your income is more than £35,000

HMRC will take back all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return.

If you live in a care home

If you are eligible you’ll get either:

  • £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945

When you will get paid

DWP said most payments will be made automatically in November or December.

You should get a letter telling you:

  • how much you’ll get
  • which bank account it will be paid into – this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits

DWP added: “If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.”

Opting out of Winter Fuel Payment

You can choose to opt out of getting all future Winter Fuel Payments. To opt out you need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before September 15, 2025.

Full details on what you will need before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be found on GOV.UK here.

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