DWP September alert for UK residents born 'on or before' date

DWP September alert for UK residents born 'on or before' date The DWP has issued a fresh reminder to millions of UK residents Millions of pensioners are being advised to review their finances immediately or face an unexpected tax bill following a fresh Government warning. The DWP has alerted pensioners born on or before September 22, 1960 that anyone earning above £35,000 will have the payment reclaimed through the tax system – meaning the money could arrive in their bank account only to be recovered later by HMRC. Officials state that those who do not wish to receive the payment at all must take action before several September deadlines. Anyone wishing to opt out must either: - Complete the official online opt-out form by 11.59pm on September 20, 2026; or. - Contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline by 6pm on September 18, 2026. Pensioners will require their National Insurance number when submitting the request. The DWP has emphasised that people cannot simply repay the money themselves once it has been issued. Instead, HMRC will retrieve it automatically through the tax system from those whose annual income surpasses £35,000. The opt-out choice is also intended to extend beyond this winter. Anyone who opts not to receive the payment will automatically remain opted out in subsequent years unless they contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to opt back in. Those wishing to receive the payment again must inform the DWP by March 31, 2027, if they want to be included for the 2026-27 winter payment. The department is also urging pensioners to report any changes in their circumstances as soon as possible. Relocating, moving into a care facility, or any other circumstance that might impact eligibility should be reported without delay. Authorities caution that providing inaccurate details could result in claimants being forced to repay funds if they've received too much. This latest warning comes on the heels of one of Labour's most contentious U-turns. In July 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves limited Winter Fuel Payments to pensioners claiming Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits, calling it a "tough choice" made to help repair the public finances. The move triggered intense political criticism, with charities cautioning that millions of elderly people would be forced to choose between staying warm and buying food throughout winter. Labour MPs also raised concerns that numerous low-income pensioners were losing out because they qualified for Pension Credit but had never applied. Under growing pressure, the Government backtracked in June 2025, announcing that Winter Fuel Payments would be restored to all pensioners over State Pension age across England and Wales, without requiring them to claim a qualifying benefit. However, the revived scheme introduced a fresh stipulation. Pensioners earning more than £35,000 annually would still receive the payment upfront, but HMRC would subsequently claw back the entire sum via the tax system. Campaign groups have maintained that this arrangement risks causing widespread confusion among elderly recipients, many of whom may be unaware the payment could ultimately push up their tax liability. As September deadlines draw closer, the DWP is encouraging anyone who thinks they could be affected to check their situation now, rather than face an unpleasant shock later in the year. Pensioners seeking further details can get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160, available between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, via the Relay UK service, or by writing to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.