The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a reminder to pensioners about upcoming September deadlines to opt out of receiving this year's Winter Fuel Payment. 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) unless they opt out beforehand.
Opt-Out Deadlines and Process
Pensioners who wish to decline the payment must act by September 18, 2026, if opting out by phone, or September 20, 2026, if using the online service on GOV.UK. The DWP describes the process as “quick and easy.” Those in Scotland can opt out of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment via MYGOV.SCOT. Opting out is voluntary; pensioners can later opt back in by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if their circumstances change.
Automatic Recovery for Higher Earners
For the 2025/26 payment year, HMRC is already recovering Winter Fuel Payments from pensioners on PAYE with incomes above £35,000. Starting from the 2027/28 tax year, HMRC will recover the payment during the same tax year it is paid. This means both the 2026 and 2027 payments will be collected in the 2027/28 tax year unless the pensioner opts out. The DWP noted that HMRC has published an online calculator to help pensioners check if their total annual income is likely to exceed the threshold.
Who Needs to Take Action?
Most pensioners do not need to do anything. Those with an annual taxable income of £35,000 or less will receive the payment automatically and keep the full amount. For those earning more than £35,000, the options are: receive the payment and have it recovered via tax, or opt out before the September deadlines. The DWP clarified that opting out is permanent until the pensioner contacts the centre to reinstate it.
Eligibility and Payment Amounts
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must have been born on or before June 27, 1960, and usually live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Exclusions apply for those living outside these countries, in hospital for the whole qualifying week (September 21–27, 2026), in prison, or with immigration restrictions on public funds. Care home residents may be eligible unless they receive certain benefits and have lived in the care home since before June 28, 2026.
Payment amounts range from £100 to £300, depending on birth date and living situation. For example, those born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 living alone receive £200, while those born before September 28, 1946 receive £300. Payments are typically made in November or December, and a letter detailing the amount and payment account is sent in October or November.
Scam Warning and Additional Help
The DWP warns pensioners to be aware of scammers sending texts prompting them to click links to claim. Such messages are not official and should be deleted. Official guidance is available on GOV.UK. The DWP also reminds pensioners that Winter Fuel Payments do not affect other benefits. For those not receiving a letter or payment by January 27, 2027, the Winter Fuel Payment Centre should be contacted.
