Millions of pensioners to receive Winter Fuel Payments from today

From today, pensioners across England and Wales will receive between £100 and £300, with payments being made automatically throughout November and December, the Government has announced. 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 warns of a 150 percent 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. 

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 7726. 

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “From today, 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.”

Any thoughts, ASAP please.