Cold Weather Payment, USA News (UK): Millions of UK households are being issued a £458.45 alert as part of an important security warning. It comes as the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Cold Weather Payment scheme returns, starting on Sunday, November 1.
Eligible households could receive £25 for each seven-day period when the average temperature in their area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below. Last winter, almost 1.5 million households across England and Wales had received a Cold Weather Payment by mid-February, with payments triggered in areas including West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Wales. However, households are urged to remain alert.
It follows a string of warnings from councils, including Nottinghamshire County Council and Dorset Council, about winter heating support scams. British victims lose an average of £458.45 per message-related scam, according to research from cybersecurity company Kaspersky. Fraudsters are increasingly using AI-driven tools and brand impersonation to deceive consumers and pressure them into making quick payments, experts warn.
Understanding Entitlement and Avoiding Scams
Tom Rogers, content specialist at Manage At Home, is sharing seven practical tips to help households understand their entitlement. He also explains how to recognise suspicious messages and how to protect your money.
Tom said: "With households looking for help with winter heating costs, a message promising a payment can understandably catch someone’s attention; that’s why it’s essential for pensioners or those within receipt of benefits to be on alert." He warned that AI can also help criminals produce convincing messages and websites. He said correct spelling, professional wording and familiar branding should never be taken as proof that something is genuine.
He stressed that the most important thing to remember is that Cold Weather Payments are made automatically to eligible households. "You do not need to follow a link in a text, pay a fee or complete an application to release the money," he added.
Scheme Details and Eligibility Criteria
Cold Weather Payments are designed to help eligible households with extra heating costs during periods of very cold weather. The scheme runs from November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Government guidance explains that people receiving Pension Credit usually qualify. Some households receiving Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Support for Mortgage Interest may also qualify, depending on their circumstances.
Tom said: "Receiving Universal Credit alone does not guarantee eligibility. Additional conditions apply, including rules relating to work, limited capability for work and children in the household."
Eligible households receive Cold Weather Payments automatically, so a message asking you to apply, activate your payment or pay a processing fee should raise suspicion, Tom said. "The scheme starting on November 1 does not mean everyone eligible will receive money immediately. Payments are triggered by qualifying periods of cold weather," he explained.
Cold Weather Payments are also separate from Winter Fuel Payments. Most eligible people receive Winter Fuel Payments automatically, although some need to claim through the official government service. If you’re unsure which support you qualify for, visit GOV.UK directly rather than following an unexpected message.
Recognizing Fraudulent Tactics
"Scam messages often claim you have not submitted an application, must act before a deadline or will lose your entitlement if you do not respond," Tom said. "Phrases such as ‘apply now’, ‘last chance’ and ‘confirm your details’ are designed to make you act before checking."
"Some examples even ask recipients to reply to the text to activate a link. These words alone do not prove a message is fraudulent, but an unexpected request involving money, personal details or a link deserves extra scrutiny."
Poor spelling and unusual wording can still be warning signs, but a polished message can also be fraudulent, Tom warns. He says that AI tools can help criminals create professional-looking emails, convincing websites and even cloned voices. He said: "A familiar logo or confident caller is not enough to establish who you’re dealing with. Focus on what you are being asked to do. Requests to disclose a PIN or one-time passcode, install remote-access software or move money to a ‘safe account’ should prompt you to end the contact and verify it independently."
If an unexpected caller claims to be from your bank and says your account is at risk, hang up before taking any action, Tom stresses. You can call 159 to connect to participating banks, or use the telephone number printed on the back of your bank card. He said: "Do not use a number supplied by the caller. If you received a suspicious call on a landline, use a different phone or wait a few minutes before calling back, as criminals can keep the line open. Remember that 159 is for contacting your bank. It cannot confirm your eligibility for government benefits."
Payment Timelines and Reporting Scams
After a qualifying period of cold weather, eligible households should receive their payment within 14 working days, into the same account used for their benefit payments. If you think a payment is missing, contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus through your usual official channels. Universal Credit claimants can leave a message in their online journal.
Tom added: "Avoid anyone offering to recover or speed up a payment in exchange for a fee or banking details. Check your position independently before responding."
You can report suspicious text messages free of charge by forwarding them to 7726. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk.
"Do not reply to the sender, follow the link or make a small ‘verification’ payment," Tom said. "If you have already shared banking details or sent money, contact your bank immediately through a trusted route."
"It can also help to discuss unexpected payment messages with a relative, friend or someone you trust. There is no shame in being targeted, and asking for a second opinion can give you time to check before acting."
