MoneyWinter Fuel PaymentApproximately two million state pensioners are above the earnings threshold to be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment - but there is a way to opt out of getting the cash11:13, 31 Aug 2026Updated 11:14, 31 Aug 2026A deadline is fast approaching for pensioners to opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment if their income is above a certain threshold.‌The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300 and is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people over state pension age. But if you earn over £35,000 a year, then the money has to be paid back. This is normally done by HMRC adjusting your tax code, or if you file self-assessment, then as part of your tax return.‌But pensioners can choose to opt out of getting the Winter Fuel Payment altogether, to avoid additional admin. The deadline to do this is by phone is September 18.‌The number for the Winter Fuel Payment Centre is 0800 731 0160. Or the deadline for filling out a form online on GOV.UK is September 20. You will need to provide your National Insurance number when you use the online form or call the helpline.Once you have opted out, this will stay in effect for following years, so you only have to do it once unless you later decide to opt in again. Approximately two million state pensioners are above the earnings threshold to receive the Winter Fuel Payment and will therefore have the money clawed back by HMRC.‌Winter Fuel Payments are being paid to people who were born on or before June 28, 1960 and who usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.The payment is normally issued automatically in November or December if you claim one of the following benefits:‌State PensionPension CreditUniversal CreditAttendance AllowancePersonal Independence Payment (PIP)Carer’s AllowanceDisability Living Allowance (DLA)income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)awards from the War Pensions SchemeIndustrial Injuries Disablement BenefitIncapacity BenefitIndustrial Death BenefitYou won't be eligible if you were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of September 21 to 27, 2026 and the year before that. You also will not get the payment if you need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds, or if were in prison for the whole of the week of September 21 to 27, 2026.In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced with a new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and this is worth between £101.70 and £305.10.Article continues belowChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌HMRCState pensionWinter Fuel Payment