If you’re over 66 and wondering what’s happening with the Winter Fuel Payment this year, you’re not alone. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that pensioners have only a few days left to opt out if they don’t want the payment.
The deadline is Monday, September 15, 2025, and it’s important to act fast if your income is above the threshold.
Update
The Government recently announced a U-turn, meaning around nine million pensioners across England and Wales will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment this winter.
But there’s a twist: if your income is over £35,000 per year, HMRC will automatically claw back the payment through your PAYE tax code or self-assessment return.
So, while you may receive the payment initially, you’ll end up paying it back later unless you opt out in time.
Also Read: £500 DWP Cost-of-Living Payment September 2025 – Eligibility, Dates and Claim Details
Income
The eligibility is based on individual income, not household. For example, if one partner earns £30,000 and the other earns £40,000, only the lower earner would keep their Winter Fuel Payment, while the higher earner would have to repay it.
Here’s a quick look:
| Annual Income | Payment Outcome |
|---|---|
| Under £35,000 | Keep payment (£200–£300) |
| Over £35,000 | Payment recovered by HMRC |
| Opt-out before Sep 15 | Payment not issued at all |
Benefits
If you already receive certain benefits during the qualifying week (September 15–21, 2025) and are over State Pension age, your payment will be automatic. Qualifying benefits include:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Income-related ESA or JSA
- War Pension Scheme awards
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
If you’re not on any of these and have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or you deferred your State Pension, you’ll need to claim it separately.
Claims
Applications open September 15 by post and October 15 by phone. Payments are worth £200 per household, or £300 if someone is over 80.
However, you won’t qualify if you:
- Were in hospital for the entire qualifying week,
- Were in prison during that time,
- Or lived in a care home from June 23, 2025, while claiming certain benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
In Scotland, this scheme has already been replaced with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Opt-out
If your income is above £35,000 and you’d rather skip the hassle of repayment, you can opt out before the deadline. Simply complete the form on GOV.UK or contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by phone or post.
For many, this payment will be a lifeline during colder months. But for higher earners, it may just mean extra paperwork at tax time. Choosing whether to accept or decline could save some unnecessary admin later on.
FAQs
What is the opt-out deadline?
The deadline is Monday, September 15, 2025.
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
It’s £200 or £300, depending on age.
Who must repay the payment?
Anyone earning over £35,000 a year.
Do both partners need to qualify?
No, eligibility is based on individual income.
How can I opt out?
Through GOV.UK or by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
