Winter Fuel Payment
Opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment
You can choose to opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment.
If you do not opt out and your total income is over £35,000, you will receive the Winter Fuel Payment but HMRC will take it back. You cannot return it yourself. You can check how HMRC will take it back.
How to opt out
To opt out of getting the Winter Fuel Payment you can either:
- use the Manage your State Pension service before 11:59pm on 20 September 2026 (if you get a State Pension)
- complete the opt out form before 11:59pm on 20 September 2026
- call the helpline before 6pm on 18 September 2026
You’ll need to provide your National Insurance number when you use the online form or call the helpline.
You’ll need to sign in to use the Manage your State Pension service. If you do not already have sign in details, you’ll be able to create them.
Opting out will not affect your State Pension.
You do not need to opt out every year. You will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment in future years unless you opt in again.
If you want to opt in again
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.
Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre
When you contact the payment centre, you’ll need to tell them your personal details like:
- your name
- your address
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number
You can either call the helpline or send a letter by post.
Email enquiry form
Telephone: 0800 731 0160
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0160
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LR