DWP Reminds Pensioners of September Opt-Out Deadlines for Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a reminder that pensioners who do not wish to receive the Winter Fuel Payment must opt out by September 18, 2026 if opting by phone, or September 20, 2026 if opting online. Under new UK Government rules, eligible pensioners in England and Wales receive the payment automatically, but those with an annual taxable income above £35,000 will have the amount recovered through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Pensioners in Scotland can opt out of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment via an online form on MYGOV.SCOT. The DWP stated in a post on X: "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 Needs to Take Action?
Most pensioners do not need to do anything. Those eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment with an annual taxable income of £35,000 or less will receive the payment automatically and keep the full amount. However, pensioners with taxable income exceeding £35,000 have two options: receive the payment and have it recovered through their tax bill, or opt out before the September deadlines.
Opting out is reversible: anyone who opts out will remain opted out for future payments unless they later contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to restart receipt.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments
You can receive a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before June 27, 1960 and usually live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. You are not eligible if you usually live outside England and Wales, were in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire week of September 21-27, 2026 and the previous year, need permission to enter the UK with a leave that prohibits public funds, or were in prison for the entire qualifying week.
Care home residents remain eligible unless they receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and have lived in a care home since June 28, 2026 or earlier.
Payment Amounts and Dates
DWP guidance confirms that most payments are made automatically in November or December 2026. Eligible individuals will receive a letter in October or November detailing the amount and the bank account for payment. If no letter arrives or payment is not received by January 27, 2027, pensioners should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Payment amounts depend on birth date and circumstances during the qualifying week (September 21-27, 2026). For those living alone or with no eligible housemate: £200 if born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960; £300 if born before September 28, 1946. For those living with another eligible person and not receiving certain benefits: amounts range from £100 to £200 depending on birth dates. For joint benefit claimants: £200 if both born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960; £300 if one or both born before September 28, 1946. For individual benefit claimants: £200 or £300 based on birth date. Care home residents receive £100 or £150.
The DWP also warns of scammers sending texts with links to claim; these are not official DWP messages and should be deleted. Official guidance is available on GOV.UK.
