Fraudsters are targeting some of the most vulnerable communities who desperately need the benefit (Image: GETTY)
Since the U-turn on Winter Fuel Payment eligibility was announced, many people have reported receiving texts about it seemingly from the government. It may ask to complete a form, confirm your details or take urgent action in order to receive £300 from the change.
However, none of it is true. Rip Off Britain’s Gloria Hunniford spoke to BBC’s Morning Live on Monday to highlight some of the warning signs of these fake texts, and what to do if you spot one in your inbox, including a vital number to add to your contact book.
But firstly, she pointed out: “Don’t touch this particular scam because you will get your money if you’re eligible for it automatically. If you have fallen through, contact your bank immediately.”
READ MORE: New £300 winter fuel payment triggers wave of fraudulant texts
One of the first warning signs is a sense of urgency in the wording of the text, which may include a deadline that is very soon or specific words like ‘act now’ or ‘quickly’.
Gloria said: “Here’s the big warning; don’t touch it. It forces you to act but don’t do it.
“It’s all about ‘you’re owed £300’, ‘you’ve got to do this by a certain date’. Pressure, pressure, pressure. It’s terrible.”
The expert urged people: “Here’s the number you should definitely have in your black book: 7726. So your provider can investigate the origin of that text and arrange to block it or to ban the sender altogether.”
If you do click through to the link in these texts, you’ll likely be taken to a site that looks like the official Gov.uk website. But some subtle warning signs here will give away the fraudsters.
It may have odd letters or numbers in the url and bizarre phrasing on the website such as: “If you choose to forfeit your claim, we will allocate the funds to citizens who are in greater need.”
Gloria warned: “The government will never talk to you like that.”
After asking for basic details like your name, number and address, the next page will likely read: “You will be charged £1 to verify your card number. The fee will be refunded to your account within 24 hours.”
But Gloria warned: “That’s all in a bid to get information. Once they’ve got your card details, name, number and address, you’ve got no chance. They can forward that on to other people to scam you.”
Over 66s may qualify for these benefits if missing out on Winter Fuel Payments
Millions more pensioners should be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments this year (Image: GETTY)
Following the Government’s reversal on Winter Fuel Payments rules, millions of pensioners with an income below £35,000 can anticipate a £300 payment this winter. Those earning above this threshold will have the benefit deducted from their taxes instead. The specifics of these new rules should be made public by the end of the month.
However, there are other government benefits specifically for those over state pension age that are not being fully claimed. Potentially worth thousands each year.
Warm Home Discount
This scheme operates only during the winter season and credits your electricity account, rather than providing cash in hand. To qualify, you must either be receiving the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit or be on a low income with high energy costs.
If you live in Scotland, you may also need to meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme. The scheme is typically automatically applied to eligible households, but more information can be found on the Gov.uk website.
READ MORE: DWP set to pay nine million Brits up to £300 this winter – check eligibility
Housing Benefit
An increasing number of pensioners are renting their homes, making housing benefit a potential lifeline. According to Age UK, new claims for housing benefit can be made once you reach the age of 66.
This means-tested benefit is designed to assist with rental costs, with the exact amount dependent on your living situation, rent amount, and the number of rooms in your home. It’s one of six legacy benefits gradually transitioning to the Universal Credit system.
Pension Credit
If you’re earning less than the full state pension, you might qualify for Pension Credit. This income supplement can add up to £4,300 annually and also provides access to other benefits and discounts, including a free TV licence for those aged over 75.
Gov.uk offers a Pension Credit calculator to help determine eligibility for this support. It’s currently one of the most underclaimed benefits, with eligible people missing out on approximately £1.5 billion each year.
Disability Benefits
There are also various health benefits available to cover the extra costs associated with illnesses and disabilities, some of which are exclusively for people over the state pension age. If you had already claimed PIP or DLA before reaching the state pension age, you might still be eligible to receive it.
People over the age of 66 may qualify for Attendance Allowance instead, which can range between £73.90 and £110.40 per week, depending on the level of assistance or supervision required.
If you provide care to someone, you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance, the exact amount you get will depend on your state pension income.
Should your state pension be under £83.30, Carer’s Allowance will makeup the difference. However, if your pension exceeds this amount weekly, you won’t get any payment but you will get ‘underlying entitlement’.
Age UK explained that even without receiving a payment, being eligible for Carer’s Allowance can offer advantages: “This entitlement could mean you get extra money with any means-tested benefits you claim, such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.”
To apply for Carer’s Allowance, certain caring responsibilities must be met by the applicant, and the person being cared for must satisfy specific conditions to render you eligible.