The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed separate deadlines for opting out by telephone or online. According to the DWP, people who choose to opt out will not need to repeat the process in future years unless they decide to opt back in.
The Winter Fuel Payment is available to eligible pensioners born before 28 June 1960 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Payments, worth between £100 and £300 depending on individual circumstances, are scheduled to be issued during November and December to help with winter heating costs.
The reminder comes as HMRC is already reclaiming payments made to higher-income pensioners during the previous winter through adjustments to tax codes and Self Assessment where applicable.
September Deadlines Apply for Pensioners Who Wish to Opt Out
According to the DWP, pensioners with total annual incomes above £35,000 who prefer not to receive a Winter Fuel Payment can opt out before this year’s deadlines. The deadline for telephone requests is 6pm on 18 September 2026, while online applications must be completed by 11:59pm on 20 September 2026.
The department said people opting out must provide their National Insurance number whether using the online form or contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by phone.
The DWP also stated that anyone who remains opted in and whose income exceeds £35,000 will have the payment recovered by HMRC. Individuals cannot return the payment directly themselves. Instead, HMRC will reclaim the money through changes to tax codes during the 2027/28 tax year or through a Self Assessment tax return.
The department also confirmed that opting out is not an annual requirement. Once someone has opted out, they will not receive future Winter Fuel Payments unless they actively choose to opt back in. Pensioners wishing to receive a payment again for winter 2026 to 2027 must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 31 March 2027.
Most Eligible Pensioners Receive the Payment Automatically
According to the DWP guidance, most eligible people do not need to make a claim. Those receiving State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Carer’s Allowance and several other qualifying benefits will generally receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they are eligible.
People who do not receive any qualifying benefit may need to submit a claim if they have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before or if they have deferred their State Pension since their last payment. The DWP states that claims for winter 2026 to 2027 open on 21 September 2026.
According to the Express, eligible people who stay opted in will receive a letter during October or November confirming the amount they will receive before payments are made in November and December. Those living alone with no other eligible person in the household will receive £200 if they were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, while those born earlier will receive £300. The payment is usually made into the same account used for State Pension or other qualifying benefits.
The DWP also advises pensioners to report changes in circumstances, including moving home or entering residential care, as these may affect the amount of Winter Fuel Payment they receive.
