Overview
- HMRC, which began contacting about 1.3 million pensioners on Wednesday, is telling people their 2026/27 PAYE tax codes will change to recover Winter Fuel Payments where personal taxable income exceeds £35,000.
- The DWP claim window for those who had to apply manually closed at 6pm on Tuesday, and the focus now shifts to clawing back last winter’s £100–£300 grants from higher‑income recipients.
- Repayment is automatic through a changed tax code for most workers on PAYE in 2026/27, Self Assessment filers have it added to their 2025/26 bill, and anyone even £1 over £35,000 loses the full payment.
- An opt‑out for the 2026/27 Winter Fuel Payment opened on April 1 through the Winter Fuel Payment Centre or online, which can help people who expect to be over the threshold avoid later recovery.
- A temporary policy for 2027/28 will collect the next payment in advance, so monthly deductions could be roughly double for one year, and HMRC warns that genuine texts or emails will not include links or ask for payment.