Winter Fuel Payment Scams
Pensioners are being warned to look out for Winter Fuel Payment text message scams following a surge in activity from opportunistic criminals ahead of payments.
These scams – 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.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment for households that include someone born before 22nd September 1959. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the 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.
If you are eligible, you will get a letter in either October or November saying how much you will get. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2025.
If you want to discuss eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment or ask any other questions, please ring our office on 02380 841199 Monday to Friday, 10:00 and 13:00.