Overview
- The Winter Fuel Payment now targets people with total income at or below £35,000, yet payments still go out automatically unless you opt out before the 21–27 September qualifying week.
- Anyone expecting to exceed £35,000 can decline upcoming payments through GOV.UK or Social Security Scotland, or by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 with a National Insurance number.
- HMRC will claw back payments from higher earners by changing PAYE tax codes or by adding a specific Winter Fuel Payment charge to Self Assessment tax bills.
- Each partner in a couple is assessed on their own income, so one person can keep the allowance while the higher earner repays it.
- People born before 28 June 1960 could receive £100 to £300, and those who opt out can still claim for 2026/27 if their income later falls below the threshold by 31 March 2027.