TL;DR
HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions have warned pensioners to be alert to scammers impersonating officials claiming to process Winter Fuel Payment eligibility checks. Winter Fuel Payment is not means-tested for State Pension recipients and no eligibility check call is ever made by the government. Any contact about Winter Fuel Payment by phone, text or email should be treated as a scam.
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Sources: HMRC, DWP, GOV.UK
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Benefits Winter Fuel Payment Scam Warning Government never calls to check eligibility: hang up immediatelyWinter Fuel Payment: paid automatically to eligible pensionersWho is eligible: State Pension age, born before Sept 1958Report scams: Action Fraud 0300 123 2040Sources: HMRC, DWP |
What the scam looks like
Fraudsters are impersonating HMRC and DWP officials, contacting pensioners by phone, text message and email claiming to conduct Winter Fuel Payment eligibility checks or offering to process payments. The callers ask for bank account details, National Insurance numbers or personal information to verify identity before releasing the payment.
The scam exploits public concern about changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility and anxiety among older people about whether they will receive their payment. Fraudsters create urgency by claiming the recipient must act immediately or lose their entitlement.
How Winter Fuel Payment actually works
Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment of between £250 and £600 made automatically to eligible households where someone receives the State Pension or certain other qualifying benefits. Eligible recipients do not need to apply, claim or verify their eligibility by phone. The payment is made automatically by DWP based on existing records.
The government does not call, text or email recipients to conduct eligibility checks. No personal information, bank details or National Insurance number is ever requested over the phone in connection with Winter Fuel Payment. Any contact purporting to be from HMRC or DWP about Winter Fuel Payment eligibility or payment processing is fraudulent.
Changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility
From winter 2024/25, Winter Fuel Payment eligibility was restricted to those receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits, removing entitlement from pensioners who receive only the State Pension without a qualifying top-up benefit. This change has created genuine confusion which scammers are exploiting.
Pensioners who are unsure about their eligibility should check directly with DWP via the official GOV.UK website at gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment or by calling the DWP Winter Fuel Payments helpline on 0800 731 0160. Do not rely on unsolicited contact to establish eligibility.
Who should check their Pension Credit eligibility
Pensioners who lost Winter Fuel Payment entitlement because they do not currently receive Pension Credit should check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit. Pension Credit is significantly under-claimed, with around 800,000 eligible pensioners not receiving it. Claiming Pension Credit restores Winter Fuel Payment entitlement and also provides access to other benefits including Housing Benefit, Council Tax reduction and NHS dental and sight test support.
Check Pension Credit eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. Entitlement can be backdated by up to three months.
What to do if you receive a scam call
Hang up immediately. Do not provide any personal information, bank details or National Insurance numbers. Report the number to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk. If you have already provided information to a suspected scammer, contact your bank immediately and report to Action Fraud.
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Disclaimer This article is for information only. For official Winter Fuel Payment information contact DWP directly at gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA. |
Frequently asked questions
Will I still receive Winter Fuel Payment?
From winter 2024/25, Winter Fuel Payment is restricted to those receiving Pension Credit or certain other qualifying means-tested benefits. Pensioners who receive only the State Pension without a qualifying top-up benefit are no longer automatically entitled. Check your eligibility at gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.
How is Winter Fuel Payment paid?
Payment is made automatically by DWP to eligible recipients, typically between November and December each year. It is paid directly into the same bank account as your State Pension or qualifying benefit. No action is required from recipients and no phone contact is needed.
What is Pension Credit and am I eligible?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age on a low income. It tops up weekly income to a minimum of £218.15 for single people or £332.95 for couples (2024/25 rates). Check eligibility and claim at gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234.
How do I report a scam call about Winter Fuel Payment?
Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk. If you have provided bank details, contact your bank immediately and ask them to block any transactions. Also report the caller's number to the ICO via ico.org.uk.
Is HMRC ever involved in Winter Fuel Payment?
No. Winter Fuel Payment is administered by DWP, not HMRC. Any caller claiming to be from HMRC about Winter Fuel Payment is impersonating a government department and the contact is fraudulent. HMRC handles tax affairs; DWP handles pension and benefit payments.
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Sources GOV.UK: Winter Fuel Payment Scam Warning |
