Winter Fuel Payment warning for pensioners earning over £35k

By Jade Wright Personal Finance Writer

Pensioners with income over £35,000 could have their Winter Fuel Payment reclaimed by HMRC. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Pensioners who do not want to receive the Winter Fuel Payment only have until September 20 to opt out, under new rules.

The Government has confirmed that eligible pensioners can choose not to receive the payment - but there are important deadlines to be aware of.

Pensioners who do not opt out and have a total income of more than £35,000 will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

However, HMRC will then recover the payment through the tax system.

How to opt out of Winter Fuel Payment

There are three ways to opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026 to 2027.

If you receive a State Pension, you can use the Manage your State Pension service before 11.59pm on September 20, 2026.

Alternatively, you can complete the Government's online opt-out form by the same deadline.

Pensioners can also call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline, but must do so before 6pm on September 18.

You will need your National Insurance number when using the online form or calling the helpline.

Those using the Manage your State Pension service will need to sign in. Anyone without existing sign-in details can create them.

Importantly, opting out will not affect your State Pension.

You also do not need to opt out every year.

Once you have opted out, you will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment in future years unless you choose to opt back in.

Pensioners who later decide they want to receive the payment can opt back in by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

To receive the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026 to 2027, you must contact the centre before March 31, 2027.

The Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be contacted by phone or post, while an online email enquiry form is also available.