The Government has announced changes to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners with income above £35,000.
Who qualifies automatically?
Pensioners born before 22 September 1959 will continue to receive Winter Fuel Payments automatically.
What’s changing?
If your total income exceeds £35,000, you will not be entitled to receive the payment. To avoid HMRC recovering it later, you must opt out before the deadline.
Action required by 14 September 2025
Pensioners who do not wish to receive the payment must complete the online opt-out form or contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by calling 0800 731 0160 before 6:00 pm on 12 September.
What happens if you don’t opt out?
- If you file a Self-Assessment tax return, HMRC will automatically include the adjustment to recover the payment.
- If you are taxed under PAYE, your 2026/27 tax code will be amended to reclaim the amount.
There is limited time to decide whether to opt out. If you are unsure of your income levels or would like advice, please get in touch with us.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this article are the personal views of the Author and other professionals may express different views. They may not be the views of Lambert Chapman LLP. The material in the article cannot and should not be considered as exhaustive. Professional advice should be sought in connection with any of the issues contained in the article and the implementation of any actions.