The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a reminder to pensioners about the September deadlines to opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment for the 2026/27 season. Under new rules, eligible pensioners in England and Wales with an annual taxable income exceeding £35,000 will have the payment recovered through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if they do not opt out.
Opt-Out Deadlines
Pensioners wishing to decline the payment must act by September 18, 2026, if opting out by telephone, or September 20, 2026, if opting out online. Scottish pensioners can opt out of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment via MYGOV.SCOT.
In a post on X, DWP stated: "If your income is over £35,000, Winter Fuel Payment is recovered through your tax. If you'd prefer not to receive it, you can opt out. Deadlines apply in September."
Who Must Take Action?
Most pensioners need not do anything. Those with taxable income of £35,000 or less will receive the payment automatically and keep it in full. However, those earning above £35,000 have two choices: receive the payment and have it recovered via tax, or opt out before the deadlines.
Opting Back In
Anyone who opts out will remain opted out for future payments unless they contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to reinstate it.
Eligibility
Winter Fuel Payment is available to those born on or before June 27, 1960, and living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Exclusions include those in hospital for the whole qualifying week (September 21–27, 2026), those with immigration restrictions, or prisoners. Care home residents may qualify unless they receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related ESA and lived in a care home from June 28, 2026, or earlier.
Payment Amounts
Payments range from £100 to £300, depending on birth date and household circumstances. For example, a single person born before September 28, 1946, receives £300; those born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960, receive £200. Couples without certain benefits receive £100–£200 each. Care home residents get £100 or £150.
Payment Dates
Most payments are made automatically in November or December 2026. DWP advises contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if no payment arrives by January 27, 2027.
DWP warns of scams: official messages never ask for bank details via text. For claims, follow guidance on GOV.UK.
