Overview

• HMRC recorded a 153% week-on-week jump in scam referrals in the week commencing 29 September as fraudsters posed as officials about supposed Winter Fuel Payment “applications.”
• The DWP has launched an awareness push with Action Fraud and charities such as Independent Age, advising recipients to forward suspicious messages to 7726 and then delete them.
• Winter Fuel Payments are automatic, letters confirming entitlement are being sent in October or November, and the government will never request bank details by text.
• Payments are scheduled for mid-November through December 2025, and while most pensioners need take no action, those not recorded as eligible—such as people who have deferred their State Pension—must claim by phone or post.
• The scheme has been expanded back to roughly nine million recipients but is subject to a £35,000 income means test, with HMRC reclaiming payments from higher‑income individuals via tax code changes or Self Assessment.