The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent reminder: pensioners aged 66 and over have only days left—until mid-September 2025—to opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment if they do not wish to receive it.
This timely alert comes after the benefit was reinstated to the vast majority of pensioners, but with a crucial income cap trigger point.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline to opt out | 14 September 2025 (England/Wales); 15 September 2025 via DWP info |
| Age eligibility | Born on or before 22 September 1959 (i.e., aged 66+) |
| Payment amount | £200 (66–79 years); £300 if aged 80+ per household |
| Income threshold | £35,000 taxable income—above this, payment clawed back via tax or SA |
| Repayment method | HMRC adjusts 2026/27 tax code or via self-assessment |
| Automatic vs claim | Automatic for most; claim needed only if category criteria not met |
| Scotland/Northern Ireland scheme | Scotland has separate payment; NI aligns with England/Wales |
| Scams warning | Fraudsters posing via text/email prompts—ignore such messages |
Elderly Support: What’s Changing and What Pensioners Must Do
1. Universal Reinstatement with Income Cap
After being restricted in 2024 only to benefit claimants, the Winter Fuel Payment has been widely restored for winter 2025–26. However, pensioners with individual taxable income exceeding £35,000 must either repay it or opt out in advance
2. Opt-Out Deadline Approaching Fast
To sidestep later tax deductions, eligible pensioners must opt out by 14 September 2025 via the online form or call 0800 731 0160 before 6 pm . In some communications, the deadline is cited as 15 September—either way, swift action is essential.
3. Automatic Claw-Back for High Earners
Unused by opting out, HMRC will automatically reclaim the payment through tax code adjustments in 2026/27 (often at around £17–£33/month) or through self-assessment if applicable.
4. Payment Structure and Household Splitting
Household payments vary by age composition:
- Under 80: £200 per household
- 80 or over: £300 per household
Complex splitting rules apply if couples have mixed ages or income situations
5. Claiming vs Automatic Eligibility
Most qualify automatically, with letters arriving in October/November and payment made in November/December 2025. Claims are needed only for those who’ve never received it or deferred their state pension.
6. Fraud Alert—Don’t Fall for Scams
Scammers are exploiting confusion over U-turns, sending fake texts/emails urging pensioners to “apply” and share banking details. The DWP never contacts people this way. Recipients should ignore such messages and report them to 7726 or Action Fraud .
The reinstated Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2025 offers vital support to pensioners, but the opt-out deadline is imminent.
If you’re over 66 with income above £35,000, you need to decide quickly—either allow for automatic recovery or proactively opt out before the mid-September cutoff. Be alert to scams, and take action now to protect your finances this winter.
FAQs
Who can opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment and why would they want to?
Anyone aged 66+ with taxable income over £35,000 may prefer to opt out to avoid having the benefit clawed back later via their tax code or self-assessment.
