Heating subsidy for pensioners: who must refuse by September 15.

Important information about winter assistance

According to The Sun: Households that will not receive winter assistance for maintenance should be aware of an important deadline that has fallen today.

This winter season, over nine million pensioners will receive cash assistance to cover rising energy bills.

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This measure was introduced after the cancellation of last year's cash payment of £300 for millions of pensioners. At that time, only those receiving certain types of social payments were eligible for assistance.

This decision caused mass protests from the Labour Party, as about 10 million pensioners lost winter assistance due to cuts in social payments.

The government managed to save only £1.4 billion, but this caused a wave of public outrage.

As a result of pressure from the public, the government had to abandon some changes.

Currently, most pensioners can expect support ranging from £100 to £300.

The amount of the payment depends on the recipient's age and whether they live alone or with a partner.

Assistance is provided automatically if you meet the criteria.

However, if your income exceeds £35,000, HMRC will take back your winter assistance.

Your income may include various sources, including private pensions and state benefits.

To avoid deductions, you can voluntarily refuse to receive future payments.

To do this, you need to fill out an online form or call the hotline at 0800 731 0160.

If you choose the online form, you will need your national insurance details.

Additional information can be found at submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/7964/opt-out-of-winter-fuel-payment/29643.

If you want to refuse, act quickly – the deadline is today, September 15.

To complete the phone process, call by 6:00 PM.

You can reconnect to the payments by contacting the support center.

To receive a payment for winter 2025-2026, you need to contact them by March 31, 2026.

What happens if I do not refuse?

If you do not refuse, HMRC will change your tax code, and you will receive a letter notifying you of the new code.

Changing the tax code will mean that your winter assistance will be deducted from your income, and you will repay it to HMRC in monthly installments.

For example, if you receive £100 in winter assistance and have an income of £35,000, you will repay about £9 monthly.

Payments will start in April 2026, when the new tax year begins.

Households can check if their income exceeds the allowable limits by visiting ww.tax.service.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-hmrc-will-take-back-your-winter-payment/start/country.

Who is not eligible for assistance?

Winter assistance can be received by those born before September 22, 1959, and living in England or Wales.

However, some categories of people are not eligible for assistance, including:

• those living outside of England and Wales;
• those in hospital and receiving free treatment during the week from September 15 to 21, 2025;
• persons requiring permission to enter the UK, and their permission states that they cannot receive public funds;
• people in prison during the specified week.

Most people receive assistance automatically, but if you think you will not receive it, apply.

Additional information can be found at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim.

Winter assistance for pensioners has become an important issue this year, as many people have faced financial difficulties due to rising energy prices. Although the government has taken steps to ensure support, it is important to meet the specified deadlines to avoid unpleasant situations with repayment of assistance. Therefore, individuals who may receive this assistance must clearly understand their rights and obligations to make the most of available resources.