Pensioners with an income over £35,000 have only have until the 20th September to opt out of receiving the 2026/27 Winter Fuel Payment.
For many, opting out may be simpler than receiving the payment and then having it recovered through the tax system.
The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax free annual payment to help older people with heating costs. It is normally paid automatically, but where an individual’s income exceeds £35,000 HMRC will recover the amount through their tax code or Self Assessment return. Opting out avoids receiving a payment that will later need to be repaid.
Key deadlines
For pensioners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland:
- The online opt out deadline is 11:59pm on 20 September 2026.
- Those opting out by telephone must do so by 6pm on 18 September 2026.
A spouse or partner’s income is not taken into account when applying the £35,000 threshold.
Different arrangements apply in Scotland, where the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. The online opt out deadline there is midday on 19 October 2026, and the same £35,000 income threshold applies for HMRC recovery.
Longer term considerations
Once someone opts out, they will not receive future Winter Fuel Payments unless they opt back in. This means:
- Anyone who opted out last year does not need to opt out again.
- Those who change their mind can opt back in for winter 2026/27 up to 31 March 2027.
What pensioners should consider
If you know your income will exceed £35,000, opting out may be more straightforward than receiving the payment and having HMRC recover it later. The decision is personal, but acting before the relevant deadline ensures you avoid an unnecessary repayment.
If you decide that you don’t want to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you can opt out using the official GOV.UK service. The process is straightforward and can be completed online. Visit the government’s opt‑out page here. This page explains what opting out means, the deadline for doing so, and provides access to the form you’ll need to submit.
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The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. As far as we are aware, the content is accurate at time of publication. Torgersens assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided.
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