Under new rules, more pensioners in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are now eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. In Scotland, more pensioners can claim the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Recovery for Higher Incomes
If your taxable income exceeds £35,000, HMRC will recover any payment you receive. Recovery will happen either by:
- Adjustment to your 2026/27 tax code, or
- Through your Income Tax self-assessment return for 2025/26
For many, these additional steps may be an unwelcome inconvenience.
Automatic Payments and Opt-Out
These payments are usually made automatically. If you wish to avoid the payment and recovery process, you must opt out.
Deadlines for opting out this year have already passed in all parts of the UK. Unless HMRC makes a last-minute change, anyone who has not opted out will automatically enter the payment and recovery cycle for winter 2025/26.
Opting Out in Future Years
The first year you can now opt out is 2026/27:
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Opt out from 1 April 2026 for 2026/27 and following years.
- Scotland: You can apply to opt out now via the mygov.scot online form. This will affect payments starting winter 2026/27.
