DWP '£458' alert for 1.5m UK households as Cold Weather Payments launch Sunday

DWP '£458' alert for 1.5m UK households as Cold Weather Payments launch Sunday The DWP's Cold Weather Payment scheme returns on Sunday, November 1 Millions of households across the UK are being issued a £458.45 warning as part of a crucial security alert. This comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cold Weather Payment scheme returns, kicking off on Sunday, November 1. Those who qualify could be entitled to £25 for every seven-day stretch where the average temperature in their locality is recorded as, or predicted to be, 0°C or lower. Last winter, nearly 1.5 million households throughout England and Wales had been issued a Cold Weather Payment by mid-February, with payments activated in areas including West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Wales. Nevertheless, households are being strongly advised to stay vigilant. This follows a series of warnings from local authorities, including Nottinghamshire County Council and Dorset Council, regarding winter heating support scams. British victims are losing an average of £458.45 per message-based scam, according to research conducted by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. Fraudsters are increasingly deploying AI-powered tools and brand impersonation tactics to trick consumers and push them into making hasty payments, experts are cautioning. Tom Rogers, content specialist at Manage At Home, is offering seven practical tips to help households understand what they are entitled to. He also outlines how to spot suspicious messages and how to safeguard your finances, reports Chronicle Live. 1.5m Brits warned to be alert for text as new payment scheme opens 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 cautioned that AI technology can now assist criminals in creating highly convincing messages and websites. He emphasised that correct spelling, professional language and recognisable branding should never be regarded as evidence that something is legitimate. He underlined that the most crucial thing to bear in mind is that Cold Weather Payments are issued automatically to qualifying 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. 1. Check whether you qualify - receiving benefits does not always mean you're eligible Cold Weather Payments are intended to assist eligible households with additional heating costs during spells of particularly cold weather. The scheme operates from November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Government guidance states that people receiving Pension Credit typically qualify. Some households receiving Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Support for Mortgage Interest may also be eligible, depending on their individual 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." To get a Cold Weather Payment, you must live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland and receive specific low-income benefits, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-related ESA, Income-based JSA, or Support for Mortgage Interest, during a period between November 1 and March 31 when the average local temperature is recorded or forecast as 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. Residents of Scotland do not qualify because they receive an alternative annual Winter Heating Payment instead. If you meet the criteria, the £25 payment is made automatically into your bank account within 14 working days of the freezing weather, though you must report to the DWP if a child under five joins your household to ensure your eligibility updates. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings. 2. Ignore messages asking you to 'apply', 'activate' or 'release' your Cold Weather Payment Eligible households receive Cold Weather Payments automatically, so any message urging you to apply, activate your payment or pay a processing fee should set alarm bells ringing, Tom warned. "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 entirely distinct from Winter Fuel Payments. The vast majority of eligible recipients receive Winter Fuel Payments automatically, though some may need to make a claim via the official government service. If you're uncertain about which support you're entitled to, head straight to GOV.UK rather than clicking on any unexpected messages. 3. Watch for 'last chance' deadlines and threats of losing your payment "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." 4. Don't rely on spelling mistakes to spot a scam Poor spelling and unusual phrasing can still serve as red flags, but a slick, well-written message can equally turn out to be a fraud, Tom warns. He points out that AI tools are now enabling criminals to produce 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." 5. Hang up and call 159 if someone claims to be your bank Should an unexpected caller claim to be from your bank and insist your account is under threat, hang up immediately before taking any action whatsoever, Tom stresses. You can dial 159 to be connected to participating banks, or use the telephone number printed on the reverse 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." 6. Chase missing payments through your usual benefit contact Following a qualifying period of cold weather, eligible households should receive their payment within 14 working days, directly into the account used for their benefit payments. If you believe a payment has not come through, get in touch with the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus via your usual official channels. Those claiming Universal Credit 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." 7. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 - and act quickly if you've shared financial details Suspicious text messages can be reported free of charge by forwarding them to 7726. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to [email protected]. "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."