PENSIONERS have just days left to take action over this year’s Winter Fuel Payment or risk an unexpected tax clawback.
Eligible older people can receive between £100 and £300 towards their heating bills this winter.
But those with total annual income above £35,000 will have the payment recovered by HMRC through the tax system.
Pensioners who know they will have to repay the cash can choose to opt out altogether instead.
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The deadline to opt out online or by form is at 11.59pm on Jattvibeday, September 20.
Anyone hoping to do it over the phone has even less time, with the Winter Fuel Payment helpline closing at 6pm today, Friday September 18.
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Those who miss the deadline will still receive the payment if they are eligible, but HMRC will recover it later if their income exceeds the £35,000 threshold.
This can be done through a tax code adjustment or via Self Assessment.
Who gets the Winter Fuel Payment?
You could get a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026 to 2027 if you were born on or before June 27, 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Most eligible people do not need to make a claim and will receive the money automatically.
People in Scotland may instead qualify for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
The amount you receive depends on your age and circumstances during the qualifying week, which runs from September 21 to September 27 this year.
Someone living alone will generally get £200 if they were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960, or £300 if they were born before September 28, 1946.
Most payments are made automatically in November or December.
Why might I want to opt out?
People with total income above £35,000 will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment but will have it recovered by HMRC.
A partner’s income does not count towards your individual £35,000 threshold.
If you know you are above the limit, opting out means avoiding the hassle of receiving the cash only for it to be taken back later.
You can opt out online or by form before 11.59pm on September 20, or by phone before 6pm today.
You will need your National Insurance number. Opting out does not affect your state pension.
Do I need to claim?
Most eligible pensioners will receive the payment automatically.
You may need to claim if you do not receive certain qualifying benefits and either have not had a Winter Fuel Payment before or have deferred your State Pension since your last payment.
Claims for winter 2026 to 2027 open on September 21.
Missing the opt-out deadline does not mean you lose the payment. If you’re eligible, you should still receive it.
However, if your income is above £35,000, HMRC will later recover the money through your tax code or Self Assessment return.
