The DWP has issued a warning
These ‘phishing scams’ allow fraudsters to target unsuspecting victims by sending realistic fake messages(Image: ArtMarie via Getty Images)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging pensioners to watch out for fraudulent text messages about ‘opting out’ of this year’s Winter Fuel Payments. Those over State Pension age can only opt out of receiving payments worth up to £300 by calling the helpline before 6pm on September 15, or by completing the online form before September 15, 2025.
In a social media post, the DWP stated: “Beware! Scammers could be trying to steal from you by sending messages about the Winter Fuel Payment and opting out. Don’t click or tap any links – check the facts about opting out before the 15 Sep 2025 deadline on the http://GOV.UK website.”
These ‘phishing scams’ allow fraudsters to target unsuspecting victims by sending realistic fake messages that appear to come from government departments like the DWP, reports the Daily Record.
READ MORE: Six groups of state pensioners who won’t get £300 Winter Fuel Payment
However, they are merely a trick to entice people to click on a link that can redirect them to a bogus website – which may look entirely legitimate – and input their personal and financial information, unknowingly providing criminals with access to sensitive data. If these scammers gain access to your details they could use it to take money from any associated accounts.
Around nine million pensioners will receive between £100 and £300 to help with winter energy bills.(Image: Getty Images)
The DWP’s message is clear: most Winter Fuel Payments will be distributed automatically, with only a small number of pensioners needing to make a claim.
Information on GOV.UK confirms there are two particular groups of people who may need to claim this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, but it’s crucial to understand this can only be done by post or telephone. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed that the qualifying period for the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment will be the week of 15-21 September (next week).
One-off payments ranging from £100 to £300 will be automatically issued to approximately nine million people in England and Wales during November and December.
READ MORE: DWP PIP warning as payments could be stopped
Check if you need to claim
The DWP stated that most people will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they are eligible during the qualifying week of 15 – 21 September, 2025.
You do not need to make a claim if you receive any of the following:
State pensionPension creditUniversal creditAttendance allowancePersonal independence payment (PIP)Carer’s allowanceDisability living allowance (DLA)Income supportIncome-related employment and support allowance (ESA)Income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)Awards from the war pensions schemeIndustrial injuries disablement benefitIncapacity benefitIndustrial death benefit
If you do not receive any of these, you will need to make a claim if either of the following apply:
you’ve not had the Winter Fuel Payment beforeyou’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel PaymentREAD MORE: HMRC alert as some on State Pension to be hit with extra bill
How to claim
You can claim your Winter Fuel Payment by:
post – from September 15, 2025phone – from October 13, 2025
The deadline to make a claim for winter 2025 to 2026 is 31 March, 2026. Full details on how to claim by post or over the phone can be found on GOV.UK here.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments
You are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before 22 September, 1959 and live in England or Wales.
READ MORE: DWP issues scam warning to millions of benefit claimants
When you will not be eligible
You will not be eligible if you:
live outside England and Waleswere in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before thatneed permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public fundswere in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025
If you live in a care home
You can receive the Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home, however, you will not be eligible if both of the following apply:
you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlierREAD MORE: Millions to receive key DWP letter from October
Payments
The DWP has issued guidance stating: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible. If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.”
It’s crucial to be vigilant as fraudsters may attempt to deceive you into making a claim via text message, urging you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP communication and should be disregarded. If you believe you need to claim, follow the instructions on GOV.UK here.
The amount you receive depends on your date of birth and your circumstances between 15 to 21 September 2025. This is known as the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you receive will not impact your other benefits.
If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
You will receive either:
£200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959£300 if you were born before September 22, 1945READ MORE: Six conditions likely to get maximum DWP PIP award length
If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
Your payment may vary if you receive one of the following benefits:
Pension CreditUniversal Creditincome-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)Income Support
If you do not receive any of the benefits
You will receive a payment of:
£100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959£100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 but the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945£200 if you were born before September 22, 1945 but the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959£150 if you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945READ MORE: DWP gives update on Universal Credit saying claims closed as ‘last resort’
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits
One of you will receive a payment of either:
£200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959£300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945
The money will be deposited into the bank account where your benefits are usually paid.
If you receive any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim)
You will receive a payment of either:
£200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959£300 if you were born before September 22, 1945READ MORE: DWP issues warning to anyone who has change in circumstances
If your income exceeds £35,000
HMRC will reclaim all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return.
If you reside in a care home
If you are eligible you’ll get either:
£100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959£150 if you were born before September 22, 1945
When you will get paid
DWP said most payments will be made automatically in November or December.
You should get a letter in October or November telling you:
how much you’ll getwhich bank account it will be paid into – this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits
DWP added: “If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.”
READ MORE: DWP payment boosts for people on Universal Credit
Opting out of Winter Fuel Payment
You can choose to opt out of getting all future Winter Fuel Payments. To opt out you need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before September 15, 2025. Full details on what you will need before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be found on GOV.UK here.
