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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Winter Fuel Payment is available to eligible pensioners born before 28 June 1960<\/strong> in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Payments, worth between \u00a3100 and \u00a3300 depending on individual circumstances, are scheduled to be issued during November and December to help with winter heating costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the DWP, pensioners with total annual incomes above \u00a335,000 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<\/strong>, while online applications must be completed by 11:59pm on 20 September 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The DWP also stated that anyone who remains opted in and whose income exceeds \u00a335,000 will have the payment recovered by HMRC<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong>. Pensioners wishing to receive a payment again for winter 2026 to 2027 must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 31 March 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSeptember Deadlines Apply for Pensioners Who Wish to Opt Out<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n