Millions of UK pensioners are being urged to remain alert as HMRC has issued an urgent warning regarding Winter Fuel Payments. With the colder months approaching, eligible recipients are due to receive payments between £100 and £300 to help with heating bills.
However, a surge in fraudulent texts, calls, and websites pretending to be from HMRC has put vulnerable seniors at serious risk.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the £300 Winter Fuel Payment, eligibility, payment timelines, and how to avoid scams—so you don’t lose out.
What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help pensioners pay for energy costs during winter. Depending on your age and living arrangements, you could receive between £100 and £300 automatically.
These payments are typically sent between November and December, and there’s no need to apply if you’ve previously received them.
However, scammers are actively targeting individuals by impersonating government services and requesting personal information—something HMRC will never do via text or email.
What Is the HMRC Warning?
In recent months, there has been a dramatic rise in phishing scams aimed at older citizens. Fraudsters are:
- Sending fake texts and emails
- Creating bogus websites to collect personal data
- Claiming to offer or verify Winter Fuel Payments
HMRC has shut down thousands of fraudulent sites and continues to advise citizens to never click on suspicious links or provide any personal information in response to digital communications.
Payment Amounts and Eligibility
The payment you receive depends on your date of birth, who you live with, and whether you receive certain benefits. Below is a breakdown of possible payment amounts:
Winter Fuel Payment Breakdown
| Living Situation | Born Before 22 Sept 1959 | Born Before 22 Sept 1945 |
|---|---|---|
| Live alone or none eligible with you | £200 | £300 |
| Live with someone else who is also eligible | £100 | £150 |
| Both get qualifying benefits (joint claim) | £200 (each) | £300 (each) |
| In care home, no qualifying benefits | £100 | £150 |
Important: If your income exceeds £35,000, the payment may be reclaimed through tax via PAYE or Self-Assessment.
Payment Schedule and Letters
Eligible pensioners will receive a confirmation letter between October and November, stating:
- How much you’ll receive
- Which bank account it will go into
Payments will be made automatically to the same account used for receiving State Pension or other benefits. If you haven’t received the payment by 28 January 2026, you’re advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
How to Spot a Scam
Scammers are using the promise of Winter Fuel Payments to trick pensioners. Watch out for:
- Unsolicited texts claiming you must “verify” your eligibility
- Emails with fake links to apply for the payment
- Phone calls asking for bank or personal details
Key Safety Tips:
- Do not reply to suspicious messages
- Do not click on unknown links
- Never share banking information with strangers
- Report any suspicious activity to official helplines
Winter Fuel Payments in Scotland
Residents in Scotland will no longer receive the traditional Winter Fuel Payment. Instead, they will receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which follows similar eligibility rules and is scheduled to be disbursed automatically by November 30.
Opting Out of the Payment
You can choose to opt out of future Winter Fuel Payments by contacting the Payment Centre before 15 September 2025. This decision is entirely voluntary and can be reversed if circumstances change.
Who Is Not Eligible?
You will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment if:
- You live outside England and Wales
- You were in hospital or prison the entire qualifying week (15–21 September 2025)
- You live in a care home and receive income-based benefits like Pension Credit or Universal Credit
- You need permission to be in the UK and your visa says you cannot access public funds
The £300 Winter Fuel Payment is a valuable lifeline for millions of UK pensioners during the coldest months of the year. While the money itself is guaranteed for most, the rise in scams puts many at risk of identity theft or financial loss.
Stay vigilant, never share your personal or bank details via text or email, and trust that legitimate payments are automatic. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, your payment will be safely deposited—without any need for action on your part.
Stay warm and safe this winter, and always question unexpected messages about your benefits.
FAQs
How do I know if I will receive the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you were born on or before 21 September 1959 and live in England or Wales, you should automatically receive the payment.
Will the Winter Fuel Payment affect my other benefits?
No. This payment is tax-free, does not affect your benefits, and does not count as income.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious message about my payment?
Delete it immediately. Do not click links, do not respond, and never provide bank information via text or email.