These scams<\/a> – which see fraudsters exploit pensioners by posing as government officials processing Winter Fuel Payment applications – had begun to drop off after a peak in June but are now increasing again ahead of payments being made next month.<\/p>\n This warning comes as the DWP<\/a> ramps up its social media campaign in partnership with Action Fraud to raise awareness of these scams across Facebook and Twitter. This is alongside DWP\u2019s continued work with trusted partners and charities such as Independent Age to ensure accurate and timely information is available.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Full list of pensioner heating payments due next month by age and household type<\/a>READ MORE: Two groups of pensioners can claim Winter Fuel Payments of up to \u00a3300 this week<\/a><\/p>\n Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the UK Government will never ask for bank details by text. Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a payment should not engage with it and instead forward it to 7726.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important for older people in Scotland to be aware that they will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment as this has now been replaced by Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.<\/a> This follows similar eligibility criteria to DWP, but will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland from November.<\/p>\n Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: \u201cIf you get a text message about Winter Fuel Payments, it\u2019s a scam. They will be made automatically so you do not need to apply.<\/p>\n \u201cThese despicable attempts by criminals to target people are on the rise. We are raising awareness to make it harder for fraudsters to succeed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you receive a suspicious message about Winter Fuel Payments, don\u2019t engage – forward it to 7726 and delete it immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE said: \u201cScammers are shamefully exploiting the Winter Fuel Payment to target older people living on low incomes. This entitlement is a vital lifeline that helps protect those facing financial hardship during the colder months.<\/p>\n \u201cOur helpline has received calls from older people who have been sent these fraudulent messages. Many of them are already anxious about being able to afford to heat their homes this winter, and these scam texts may wrongly lead them to believe they must take action to receive their payment.<\/p>\n \u201cThe key message is clear: you do not need to do anything to receive your Winter Fuel Payment. If you are eligible, it will be paid automatically.\u201d<\/p>\n Jonathan Silvester, HMRC\u2019s Digital Defence Lead, said: \u201cScammers target individuals by attempting to take your money or access your personal information. I\u2019m urging you to stay alert to their pressure tactics.<\/p>\n \u201cNever let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you relating to Winter Fuel Payments, 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\u2019t give out private information or reply, and don\u2019t download attachments or click on links. You can report any suspicious HMRC-related activity on GOV.UK, just search \u2018report an HMRC scam\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Winter Fuel Payments will automatically be paid into people\u2019s bank accounts with eligible pensioners receiving a letter in October or November saying how much they will receive. Payments will be made between mid-November and December 2025<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/a> This follows similar eligibility criteria to DWP, but will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland from November.<\/p>\n DWP said most people will get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they are eligible during qualifying week, which took place between September 15 – 21, 2025.<\/p>\n You do not need to claim if you get any of the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n If you do not get any of these, you need to claim if either of the following apply:<\/strong><\/p>\n How to claim<\/p>\n You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by:<\/p>\n The deadline to make a claim for winter 2025 to 2026 is March 31, 2026.<\/p>\n Full details on how to claim by post or over the phone can be found on GOV.UK here.<\/a><\/p>\n Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments<\/p>\n You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales.<\/p>\n When you will not be eligible<\/p>\n You will not be eligible if you:<\/p>\n If you live in a care home<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n Payments<\/p>\n DWP guidance explains: \u201cYou\u2019ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you\u2019ll get, if you\u2019re eligible.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you do not get a letter but think you\u2019re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/a><\/p>\n The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 to 21 September 2025. This is called the \u2018qualifying week\u2019. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.<\/p>\n If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment<\/p>\n You will get either:<\/p>\n If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment<\/p>\n Your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits:<\/p>\n If you do not get any of the benefits<\/p>\n You will get a payment of:<\/p>\n If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits<\/p>\n One of you will get a payment of either:<\/p>\n The money will be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into.<\/p>\n If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim)<\/p>\n You will get a payment of either:<\/p>\n If your income is more than \u00a335,000<\/p>\n HMRC will take back all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return. The opt-out window for pensioners in England and Wales closed on September 15.<\/p>\n The opt-out window for Scots pensioners closed on October 10 – full details on MYGOV.SCOT.<\/a><\/p>\n If you live in a care home<\/p>\n If you are eligible you\u2019ll get either:<\/p>\n When you will get paid<\/p>\n DWP said most payments will be made automatically in November or December.<\/p>\n You should get a letter telling you:<\/strong><\/p>\n DWP added: \u201cIf 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<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Full details on what you will need before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be found on GOV.UK here.<\/a><\/p>\n Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group<\/a> for money-saving tips, the latest State Pension and benefits news, energy bill advice and cost of living updates.<\/p>\n Sign up to our Record Money newsletter and get the top stories sent to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday with a special cost of living edition every Thursday – sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can also follow us on X<\/strong> (formerly Twitter) @Recordmoney_<\/a> for regular updates throughout the day or get money news alerts on your phone by joining our Daily Record Money WhatsApp community<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/18_Screen-Shot-2020-09-22-at-130620.png\")
Payments of up to \u00a3300 will be issued automatically over November and December.\u00a0(Image: Getty Images )Check if you need to claim<\/p>\n\n
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