HMRC has warned pensioners in Northern Ireland to watch for scams linked to the recovery of 2025 Winter Fuel Payments. The process starts this month with nearly two million people across the UK required to repay the benefit if their annual income tops £35,000.

The Department for Work and Pensions issued the original payments in Northern Ireland on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive. HMRC manages the recovery in all UK regions, including Northern Ireland.

Over the past year, HMRC recorded more than 25,000 reports of scams tied to Winter Fuel Payments. Criminals may send fake texts, emails or make unsolicited calls to impersonate the agency and target vulnerable people.

For most, recovery occurs automatically via an adjusted PAYE tax code. No contact with HMRC is needed in those cases.

Self Assessment online filers will see the payment pre-populated in their 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. They should verify and add it manually if missing. Paper filers must include the details by 31 October 2026.

HMRC Chief Customer Officer Myrtle Lloyd stated that criminals use fake contacts to mimic the agency and obtain money. She advised using the GOV.UK online tool to check recovery details instead of calling. HMRC never requests repayment or bank details by text or email.