The move has raised questions around eligibility, automatic deductions, and fraud prevention, with pensioners encouraged to remain alert. Most recipients will see the funds arrive before mid-December, but those required to repay won’t need to take any immediate action, HMRC will contact them directly.
Repayments for Higher Earners to Begin from April 2026
The Winter Fuel Payment, designed to help older people meet increased heating costs in winter, is being distributed to around nine million pensioners this season, with payments ranging from £100 to £300, depending on individual circumstances. This includes whether the recipient lives alone, in a care home, or claims other benefits.
However, under new rules confirmed by the Labour government, individuals with an income above £35,000 who received the payment may be asked to repay it, starting from the 2025/26 tax year. According to the DWP, the recovery will either be processed automatically through the recipient’s tax code from April 2026 or via their self-assessment tax return.
The government has underlined that no immediate action is required from those affected. A spokesperson confirmed, “They do not need to do anything – HMRC will be in touch.”
Payment references will include the recipient’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP’, which should help verify the payment’s legitimacy in bank statements. Those who have not received the payment by 28 January 2026 are encouraged to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Alongside this repayment mechanism, ministers reaffirmed their broader support for pensioners, citing the continued protection of the Triple Lock and additional help such as Pension Credit, worth around £4,300 annually, and Attendance Allowance, which can provide up to £5,740 per year for those with care needs.
Spike in Scam Activity Targets Pensioners over Winter Payments
The rise in public awareness around the Winter Fuel Payment has unfortunately coincided with a sharp uptick in scam attempts. According to the DWP, there has been a 150% surge in fraudulent activity, with scammers impersonating government bodies in phone calls, texts and emails to obtain personal and financial details.
Warnings have come from officials across departments. Jonathan Silvester, HMRC’s Digital Defence Lead, cautioned recipients: “Scammers target people by attempting to take your money or access your personal information. I’m urging you to stay alert to their pressure tactics.”
He advised pensioners never to share sensitive information in response to unsolicited communications, nor to click on suspicious links or download attachments. In addition, pensioners who receive dubious messages are urged to report them by forwarding texts to 7726, the national spam reporting service.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell also stressed the importance of vigilance, stating that payments are made automatically and no personal information will be requested by the government. He added, “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.”
The campaign to raise awareness is part of a broader government effort to ensure that support reaches the intended recipients without interference, while also safeguarding the public from financial exploitation during the winter period.
