The government has announced that scammers are already targeting pensioners hoping to get their winter fuel payments restored. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons described the scammers as “disgraceful” and warned pensioners to be vigilant.
9 million more pensioners will be eligible for the winter fuel allowance this year.
Because of the tough decisions we took to stabilise the economy, Labour has put our public finances back on a firm footing. pic.twitter.com/T7cFCqJc2Y
— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) June 9, 2025
This warning comes just a day after it was confirmed that the payments, which had been stopped for millions of pensioners across the UK, are set to be restored.
WINTER FUEL PAYMENT UPDATE: We've far more detail in on how it works. Pls share with anyone with questions.
Inc when it'll be paid individually & when by household, what counts as income, how savings are dealt with, 3 pensioner households etc. All here.. https://t.co/MhzgKtv36o
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) June 11, 2025
Lyons informed the Northern Ireland Assembly that he is aware of several scams in which pensioners are being contacted and asked for their banking details. He emphasized that the payments will be distributed automatically, and there is no need for pensioners to provide personal details or fill out application forms. The minister reassured assembly members that pensioners in Northern Ireland will receive their payments at the same time as those across the UK.
https://twitter.com/PreetKGillMP/status/1932175897689510096
Lyons detailed that legislation to facilitate these payments will be passed by the end of July, ensuring that the funds will be available before winter. He confirmed that there would be no additional cost for the Northern Ireland Executive as the money will be provided by the UK government.
Warning against winter payment scams
However, only pensioners who earn £35,000 or less will be eligible.
This is what responsible government looks like. @RachelReevesMP is delivering targeted winter fuel support for pensioners on modest incomes — listening to voters and acting fast to support those who need it most. https://t.co/8O5DTl5tDW
— Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) June 9, 2025
On Monday, it was confirmed that in Northern Ireland, payments of up to £300 per household for those over 80 and £200 for those under 80 would be made. In England and Wales, payments will be distributed to all pensioners, but HMRC will reclaim the money from those earning over £35,000 through taxation.
Winter Fuel Payments were created in 1997 to help individuals above state pension age with their winter heating bills. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced last year that winter 2024 would be the first time pensioners in England and Wales would not be eligible for these payments. Consequently, Northern Ireland was also forced to follow suit.
Payments were then restricted to those on benefits and pension credit. This recent move to restore payments to a broader group of pensioners comes after significant public and legislative pressure. For more information on this issue and other related news, please refer to our additional stories.
