Millions of pensioners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, worth between £100 and £300, but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned that those with an annual income above £35,000 must opt out by September 20, 2026, or face having the money reclaimed.
The payment is available to people born on or before June 27, 1960, living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Eligibility is determined during a "qualifying week," which this year falls between September 21 and 27. The decision is based on individual circumstances during that week, including where a person resides, their age and other criteria.
Price cap rise and repayment rules
The warning comes as the energy price cap rises to £1,723 per year from October 1 to December 31, a 4% increase. While the actual amount will vary depending on energy consumption, most households will see higher bills.
All pensioners who meet the criteria during the qualifying week will receive the payment. However, anyone with an annual income exceeding £35,000 must reimburse the money received, typically through adjustments to their tax code or, for those who submit a tax return, via their HMRC bill.
How to opt out
To avoid repayment, pensioners can opt out of receiving the payment in advance. The government website states: "You can choose to opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment. If you do not opt out and your total income is over £35,000, you will receive the Winter Fuel Payment but HMRC will take it back. You cannot return it yourself."
The deadline to opt out online is Sunday, September 20, 2026, before 11:59pm. Those wishing to opt out by telephone face an earlier cut-off of Friday, September 18, 2026, before 6pm. Pensioners can opt out using the Manage your State Pension service, completing the opt-out form online, or calling the helpline. A National Insurance number is required for the online form or helpline call, and sign-in details are needed for the Manage your State Pension service.
The website advises: "Opting out will not affect your State Pension. You do not need to opt out every year. You will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment in future years unless you opt in again." Those who wish to opt back in can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, and must do so no later than March 31, 2027, to receive a payment for winter 2026 to 2027.
