The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help with heating costs during the colder months. The Government announced in July 2024 that, from this year onwards, to be eligible you must have reached State Pension age and also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit.
The payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 22 September 1958 (for 2024-25) and, from 2024 onwards, receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
Unfortunately, people are being tricked into handing over their bank details, believing they are applying for the Winter Fuel Payment or are in danger of being scammed by tricksters offering cheaper home improvements, including insulation, to keep homes warmer for those no longer eligible for the payments.
Please be on the lookout for emails, text messages and telephone calls:
- Asking for your bank details so adjustments can be made to your payment
- Really good offers on home insulation
- Messages saying you have been overpaid or are ineligible for payment now and need to pay the money back
- Messages offering help with assessing your eligibility.
Please remember if It’s out of the blue it’s not for you. If you receive a cold call let the caller know that you are not interested and remember your ABC:
- Assume nothing
- Believe nothing
- Challenge everything
Do not give out any personal information over the phone. If you have provided any financial details call your bank immediately and report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 204
If you need advice contact Trading Standards on 01635 519930 or email tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk
