HMRC is set to contact numerous retirees regarding the repayment of their Winter Fuel Payment. This payment, valued up to £300, is distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to individuals above the state pension age. Those earning over £35,000 annually will have their payment reclaimed by HMRC, typically through adjustments to their tax code for the 2026/27 fiscal year.
Repayments will be spread out over the course of the 2026/27 tax year and collected via the PAYE system. Individuals who submit self-assessment tax returns will see the adjustment reflected in their 2025/26 tax return.
Around two million state pensioners are expected to repay their Winter Fuel Payment for the 2025/26 winter season, with HMRC commencing the notification process in April. If you have opted out of paper notifications from HMRC and your tax code changes, you will receive a digital notification instead.
HMRC has stated that most individuals subject to repayment will have it automatically deducted through their tax code or collected via their tax return if registered for Self Assessment. Detailed online guidance and a calculator are available to help individuals understand the repayment process.
Winter Fuel Payments are disbursed to individuals born before September 22, 1959, who claimed specific benefits during the qualifying week of September 15 to 21, 2025. Those who did not claim these benefits must apply for the Winter Fuel Payment if eligible by March 31, 2026.
To inquire about eligibility or make a claim, individuals can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160, or by mail at the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR. Certain criteria, such as being in hospital or prison during the qualifying week, may affect eligibility.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, ranging from £101.70 to £305.10.