Opt Out of the Winter Fuel Payment: 2026/27 Rules

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can no longer opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026 to 2027. If you do not opt out and your total income is over £35,000, you receive the payment but HMRC takes it back, by changing your tax code or adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return. Your partner's income does not count towards your total income.

You will be able to opt out for winter 2027 to 2028 from 21 December 2026. GOV.UK's opt-out page is the place to check how to opt out when the window opens. Our Winter Fuel Payment guide has the eligibility rules, rates and payment dates.

GOV.UK says you can opt out of receiving Winter Fuel Payment if your income is over £35,000 or you do not want to receive it. If you do not opt out and your total income is over £35,000, HMRC takes the payment back. If HMRC changes your tax code to pay it back, the tax deducted from your wages, salary or pension will increase.

If you complete a Self Assessment tax return, you must include your Winter Fuel Payment on it each year you get it, and HMRC will usually include the amount automatically if you file online.

You can opt in again by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. To get a payment for winter 2026 to 2027 you need to contact them before 31 March 2027.

Ways to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre:

• Phone: 0800 731 0160
• Relay UK if you cannot hear or speak on the phone: 18001 then 0800 731 0160
• Post: Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR
• Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

When you contact them, you will need to tell them your personal details, such as your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number. Our benefits contact numbers guide lists more DWP numbers.

If you live in Scotland you cannot get a Winter Fuel Payment, but you might be eligible for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. If you do not want to receive it, you can choose to opt out or cancel your award, and you opt out by calling Social Security Scotland.

If you opt out and change your mind, you can opt in for the current winter period until 31 March. If you opt in after 31 March and want the payment for the previous winter period, Social Security Scotland will consider your reason for the late request, and if it cannot be accepted you will get the payment in future years if you are eligible. To opt in again, contact Social Security Scotland by phone, even if you opted out through the DWP.

Other help with heating bills, according to GOV.UK:

• A Cold Weather Payment, if you get certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees celsius or below for 7 days in a row
• The Warm Home Discount, a £150 discount on your bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household
• Help with the cost of living from your local council, if you are eligible under the rules in your area

Our Cold Weather Payment guide and Pension Credit guide cover related help with heating bills.