Winter Fuel Payments begin with warning over scam surge
Around nine million pensioners across Wales and England will begin receiving Winter Fuel Payments from today.
Payments, worth between £100 and £300 depending on household circumstances, will be made automatically by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between now and the end of December.
The amount each pensioner receives depends on whether they live alone or as a couple, if they receive other benefits, and whether they live in a care home.
The DWP has warned of a 150 per cent surge in Winter Fuel Payment scams, with fraudsters posing as government officials or payment providers to trick people into revealing personal information.
Officials are reminding pensioners that they will never be asked to share bank details or click on links to receive the payment. Any suspicious text message should be forwarded to 7726, the number used to report spam texts.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “From today, nine million pensioners across England and Wales will benefit from the Winter Fuel Payment hitting their bank account.
“Payments are being made automatically throughout November and December, so don’t worry if yours hasn’t arrived yet. But do remember to stay alert to scam texts, the Government will never ask you to share personal information or click on links to claim your payment.”
Most recipients should receive their payment by mid-December. Pensioners who have not received it by 28 January 2026 or are unsure about eligibility are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
The government says the scheme forms part of its commitment to support pensioners with the cost of living.
Pensioners on lower incomes are also encouraged to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit, worth around £4,300 a year on average, or Attendance Allowance, which can be worth up to £5,740 a year for those with care needs.
Payments will appear in bank accounts with a reference beginning with the recipient’s National Insurance number, followed by ‘DWP WFP’, to help identify them safely.
The DWP confirmed that pensioners with annual incomes over £35,000 may have to repay the benefit later through their tax code or 2025/26 tax return, with HMRC contacting those affected directly.
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