State pensioners are starting to get their Winter Fuel Payments.
State pensioners wondering where their £200 to £300 Winter Fuel Payment payment is this year are being urged to check with a four-digit code.
Labour has chosen to change the Winter Fuel Payment system again this year, getting rid of the wildly unpopular means testing that was introduced in 2024 and reverting to a universal system of payments for pensioners, as long as you earn under £35,000.
The government announced that payments have officially begun to be paid out as of Wednesday, November 12. Those aged 66 or over will be able to get £200 Winter Fuel Payments, while those aged 80 or over will get the full £300.
Pensioners across England and Wales will receive between £100 and £300, with payments being made automatically throughout November and December. The amount pensioners are paid will be dependent on whether they live as a couple, if they are entitled to other benefits and whether or not they live in a care home.
It comes as the Department for Work and Pensions warns of a 150% surge in Winter Fuel Payment scam activity. These scams see fraudsters pose as Government officials or payment providers in an attempt to trick people into sharing their personal information, right at the time when payments are being made.
As payments begin, pensioners are being urged to continue to look out for these scam messages and remember that they will never be asked to provide bank details to receive the payment.
Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a payment should not engage with it, including clicking on links, and instead forward it to a four digit number: 7726.
The vast majority of pensioners should see this payment in their bank account by mid-December. If any pensioner has questions on whether they are eligible or has not received a payment by January 28, 2026, they are encouraged to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “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.”
