Millions of state pensioners are being urged to review their finances after the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issued a reminder about key September deadlines for Winter Fuel Payments.
The alert applies to people born on or before September 22, 1960, who may wish to opt out of receiving this winter’s payment.
Under the current system, pensioners with an annual income of more than £35,000 will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically, but the full amount will later be recovered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) through the tax system.
The DWP is reminding anyone who does not want to receive the payment that action must be taken before the September deadlines to avoid having the money paid into their account.
Pensioners who want to opt out online must complete the official form by 11.59pm on September 20, 2026.
Those choosing to opt out by telephone must contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline before 6pm on September 18, 2026.
Applicants will need their National Insurance number when making the request.
The DWP said people cannot simply return the payment themselves once it has been deposited into their bank account.
DWP warns state pensioners of September Winter Fuel Payment opt-out deadline
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GETTYInstead, HMRC will automatically recover the payment through the tax system from pensioners whose annual income exceeds £35,000.
The department has also confirmed that opting out will remain in place for future years unless the individual asks to begin receiving the payment again.
Anyone who decides they want to receive the Winter Fuel Payment after opting out must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by March 31, 2027, to be eligible for the 2026–27 winter payment.
The DWP is also urging pensioners to report any changes in their circumstances as soon as possible.
Eligibility of Winter Fuel Payment in winter 2024 to 2025 linked to means-tested benefits | DWP
This includes changes such as moving home or entering a care home.
The department warned that providing incorrect information could result in overpayments, which may have to be repaid.
The current arrangements follow changes introduced by the Labour Government to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
In July 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that Winter Fuel Payments would be restricted to pensioners receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits, describing the move as necessary to help restore the public finances.
The decision prompted criticism from charities and campaign groups, which warned that millions of older people could struggle with higher energy bills during the winter.
In June 2025, the Government announced it would restore automatic Winter Fuel Payments to all people above state pension age in England and Wales.
Under the revised policy, higher-income pensioners will continue to receive the payment automatically, with those earning more than £35,000 repaying it through the tax system.
Pensioners seeking further information can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by telephone on 0800 731 0160 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.