Winter Fuel Allowance: Act Now Before the Deadline
19-08-2025
As temperatures begin to drop across the UK, the Government’s Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA) plays a vital role in helping older residents with heating costs. But if you do not want to receive this year’s payment, you’ll need to let HMRC know and opt out by 15th September deadline.
What is the Winter Fuel Allowance?
The Winter Fuel Allowance is a tax-free payment of between £100 and £300, paid automatically to most people born before a certain date. It’s designed to help with energy bills during the colder months.
The allowance is not means-tested, meaning you can receive it regardless of your income or savings, and it is usually paid directly into your bank account. However, anyone earning over £35,000 will need to repay the Winter Fuel Allowance unless they choose to opt out. If they do not, HMRC will automatically recover the payment through their tax code in 2026/27, or through self-assessment for the 2025/26 tax year.
Who Gets It?
You’re usually eligible if:
- You were born before 22 September 1959
- You lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week in September
If you already receive a State Pension or other social security benefits (excluding Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, or Universal Credit), you may get the payment automatically.
Why Would Someone Opt Out?
While most people welcome the extra help, some choose to opt out—for example:
- To avoid receiving a payment they don’t need
- To reduce their taxable income if they are in self-assessment
- To support the Treasury in redirecting funds
The Opt-Out Deadline
If you do not wish to receive the WFA this winter, you must inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before the deadline. Missing it means the payment will be made automatically.
- Deadline: 15th September 2025
- How to opt out:
- Online via the official GOV.UK service
- By phone to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre
- By post, using the official opt-out form
Full instructions are available on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/report-change-circumstances
If You’re Keeping It
If you’re happy to receive the WFA, you don’t need to do anything—it will be paid automatically, usually in November or December.
Act Now
Whether you’re planning to keep the payment or opt out, it’s important to be aware of the deadline so you can make an informed choice. A quick phone call or online form is all it takes to opt out, and missing the date means the money will still arrive in your account.
For more information and to make changes to your WFA status, visit the official Government page here: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/report-change-circumstances