The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning to pensioners about scam text messages claiming to offer Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300. The alert comes as millions of older people prepare to receive financial support towards their heating bills during November and December.
DWP issues scam alert on social media
In a post on its official social media account on X, the DWP wrote: "If you get a text about the 'Winter Fuel Payment' or the 'Winter Fuel Allowance', it is a scam." It added: "Winter Fuel Payments are automatic, you do not need to do anything."
The DWP encouraged people receiving suspicious messages to report them through the UK Government's Stop! Think Fraud campaign. Criminals frequently use messages claiming that a payment is waiting to be claimed or that personal information needs to be updated before money can be released. These messages may contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal bank account details, passwords or other sensitive information.
Payments due from mid-November
The warning is particularly important as eligible pensioners across England and Wales are due to start receiving Winter Fuel Payments worth £100, £200 and £300 from mid-November. Most people receive the money automatically, with eligible households also receiving a letter telling them how much they will receive and the bank account into which the payment will be made.
People born on or before June 27, 1960, may qualify for support this winter, although eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Those with annual incomes above £35,000 will have their Winter Fuel Payment recovered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) through the tax system.
How to claim and what to watch for
While most eligible pensioners receive the money automatically, some people who do not receive certain benefits or have deferred their State Pension may need to make a claim through official channels. The DWP's warning specifically concerns unsolicited text messages, not legitimate claims made through GOV.UK.
Older people living in Scotland receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead of the DWP's Winter Fuel Payment. The devolved benefit is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland and provides financial support towards winter heating costs for eligible pensioners. Scots pensioners should also keep a lookout for unexpected messages claiming they need to provide personal or banking information to receive financial assistance.
