The DWP has confirmed that the Winter Fuel allowance will be automatically repaid if a pensioner has an income of over 35,000
Millions of state pensioners have been warned HMRC will “be in touch” over clawing back the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) Winter Fuel Allowance. Pensioners earning more than £35,000 who received the Winter Fuel Payment may be required to repay it later – either automatically through their tax code from April 2026 or via their tax return for 2025/26.
The Labour Party government has said: “They do not need to do anything – HMRC will be in touch.” Most pensioners should see the payment land in their bank account by mid-December.
Pensioners with questions about their eligibility, or who haven’t received a payment by 28 January 2026, are urged to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160, reports Birmingham Live.
Labour continued: “We’re committed to supporting pensioners with the cost of living, ensuring they can retire with the dignity and financial security they deserve. The payments sit alongside the Government’s commitment to the Triple Lock, which means millions of pensioners are set to see their State Pension rise by up to £1,900 over the course of this Parliament.
“Pensioners on low incomes can also apply for further support this winter through Pension Credit – worth around £4,300 on average a year – while those with care needs can apply for Attendance Allowance, worth up to £5,740 a year in some cases, and we will continue to urge anyone who thinks they are eligible to apply.”
Jonathan Silvester, HMRC’s Digital Defence Lead, warned: ” Scammers target people by attempting to take your money or access your personal information. I’m urging you to stay alert to their pressure tactics.
“Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you relating to Winter Fuel Payments, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.
“If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don’t give out private information or reply, and don’t download attachments or click on links. You can report any suspicious HMRC-related activity on GOV.UK, just search ‘report an HMRC scam’.”