As the festive season approaches, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that millions of eligible benefit recipients across the UK will receive early payments and a one-off £10 Christmas Bonus.

This annual tax-free bonus is designed to offer a small financial boost during what can be a costly time of year, and it comes at no additional effort for those eligible, there’s no need to apply.

Alongside this bonus, early payment schedules have been announced to account for the disruption caused by Christmas and New Year bank holidays. If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible, when the payment will arrive, or how it will show on your bank statement, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is the DWP Christmas Bonus?

First introduced by Ted Heath’s Conservative government in 1972, the Christmas Bonus was intended as a goodwill gesture to help pensioners and benefit claimants manage festive expenses.

The payment, set at £10, has never been increased, apart from a brief one-off uplift to £70 in 2008 during the global financial crisis.

Why Does It Still Matter in 2025?

Despite inflation significantly reducing the real-world value of the bonus (which would be worth around £118 in today’s money), the payment continues to be automatically issued to eligible individuals every December.

While some argue that the fixed amount is outdated, for many recipients, the gesture still holds meaning as part of the Government’s wider support package.

Who Is Eligible for the DWP Christmas Bonus This Year?

To receive the £10 Christmas Bonus, you must meet specific eligibility criteria during the qualifying week, which typically falls in the first full week of December (e.g. 1st–7th December 2025). During this time, you must be present or ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar.

You must also be receiving at least one qualifying benefit. Notably, Universal Credit is excluded from this list.

Which Benefits Qualify for the Christmas Bonus?

Here is a list of the benefits that make you eligible for the bonus if you receive them during the qualifying week:

Qualifying Benefits:

• State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit element)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• War Widow’s or War Disablement Pension
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Incapacity Benefit (long-term rate)
• Child Disability Payment (Scotland only)
• Adult Disability Payment (Scotland only)
• Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Unemployability Supplement or Allowance
• Widowed Mother’s / Parent’s / Widow’s Pension
• Carer Support Payment (Scotland only)

If you’re not claiming any of the above, or if you’ve not yet begun receiving your State Pension, you won’t be eligible for the bonus.

Are Couples and Civil Partners Treated Differently?

Yes, and it’s important to understand the criteria. If both partners receive a qualifying benefit, each will be paid a £10 bonus individually. However, even if only one partner qualifies, the other might still receive the bonus, but only if:

• You are both over the State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week
• You were both ordinarily resident in the UK (or eligible territories) during that week
• The qualifying partner is receiving Pension Credit or an increased amount for their partner

This ensures fairness in cases where one partner might not claim a benefit directly but is still part of a joint financial arrangement.

When will the Christmas Bonus Be Paid and How Will It Appear?

The Christmas Bonus is typically paid in early December, usually shortly after the qualifying week has ended. Although the DWP hasn’t confirmed the exact date for 2025, most recipients can expect to receive it between 9th and 13th December.

The payment will not arrive with any fanfare. You won’t receive a notification beforehand. Instead, it should appear in your account as a separate line item, usually listed as:

DWP XB

It is also worth noting that the bonus is paid separately from your normal benefit or pension payments, so it may show up on a different day than your usual schedule.

Are Universal Credit Claimants Entitled to the Christmas Bonus?

Despite Universal Credit being a widespread benefit with over 8 million claimants across the UK, it is not one of the qualifying benefits for the Christmas Bonus. This has been a point of confusion and frustration for many households.

However, there is a caveat. If you receive Universal Credit in conjunction with another qualifying benefit, such as PIP or Carer’s Allowance, you may still be entitled to the bonus based on that secondary benefit.

It’s also important to remember that Universal Credit claimants may still receive early benefit payments in December due to the holiday schedule, even if they do not receive the bonus.

What Other Early Benefit Payments Will Be Made Over Christmas and New Year?

Due to Christmas Day (25th December), Boxing Day (26th December), and New Year’s Day (1st January) falling on weekdays, the DWP has adjusted its payment schedule for various benefits. Here’s how payments will be handled if they fall on public holidays:

When Will Payments Due on Bank Holidays Be Made?

Original Payment Date	Revised Payment Date
Thursday, 25 December (Christmas Day)	Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Friday, 26 December (Boxing Day)	Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Thursday, 1 January (New Year’s Day)	Wednesday, 31 December 2025

If your payment is not due on one of the affected dates, it will be made as usual. The early payments will not affect the amount, but you should plan accordingly to manage your budget over the festive period.

Will Early Payments Affect Regular Payment Cycles?

No. The early December payments are simply rescheduled, not altered in frequency or amount. However, you will likely experience a longer gap before your next benefit payment in January, so financial planning is advised.

Do You Need to Apply for the Christmas Bonus or Early Payment?

You do not need to apply for either the Christmas Bonus or the adjusted early payment schedule. Both are handled automatically by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

If you are receiving a qualifying benefit and meet the eligibility criteria during the designated qualifying week, your bonus will be paid directly into your account without requiring any action on your part.

This automatic system ensures that eligible recipients receive support promptly. However, if the payment has not appeared in your account by 1st January 2026, it is advisable to contact the Jobcentre Plus office or the Pension Service managing your claim.

They can verify your eligibility and investigate any delays to ensure you receive the payment you are entitled to.

How Much Is the DWP Christmas Bonus Really Worth Today?

The DWP Christmas Bonus has remained at £10 for decades, but inflation has significantly reduced its real-world value. When adjusted using the UK composite price index, that £10 today would be equivalent to over £118, making it more than eleven times the original amount.

While there have been repeated calls from the public to increase the bonus or align it with the rising cost of living, no official changes have been announced for 2025. Despite its modest monetary value, the bonus remains a meaningful gesture for many households, providing symbolic support during a costly season.

For recipients on fixed or low incomes, even a small boost like this can help with essential expenses during the festive period.

What Should You Do If You Don’t Receive Your Bonus?

If you believe you qualify for the bonus but haven’t received it by early January, don’t panic. The first step is to:

• Check your bank statements for any payment marked as DWP XB
• Ensure that you were receiving a qualifying benefit during the first full week of December
• Confirm that you were ordinarily resident in the UK or eligible locations at the time

If all these conditions were met, contact your Jobcentre Plus office or the Pension Service. Delays are rare, but errors can happen, especially during high-volume payment periods like Christmas.

Final Thoughts

The DWP Christmas Bonus and early payments initiative offer a small yet valuable reminder of how government support can play a part in easing financial pressures, particularly for those on fixed or low incomes.

While the amount may not stretch far in modern times, understanding your entitlements and staying up to date with announcements ensures you’re always in a position to benefit fully from what’s available.

If you’re receiving any of the qualifying benefits, there’s no need to apply or worry, your bonus will arrive automatically. Just keep an eye on your statements in December for DWP XB, and make sure to budget smartly if your usual payment arrives early.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my benefit qualifies for the Christmas Bonus?

The bonus applies only to those receiving at least one of 24 qualifying benefits during the first full week of December. If you’re unsure, check with the relevant agency managing your payments.

Will I be notified before receiving the Christmas Bonus?

Not typically. The bonus is paid without formal notification and usually shows up on your bank statement as “DWP XB”.

Can people living abroad receive the Christmas Bonus?

You may be eligible if you’re ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, or certain EEA countries or Switzerland during the qualifying week.

Why is Universal Credit not included in the bonus eligibility?

Universal Credit is not part of the qualifying benefits list for the Christmas Bonus. However, if you receive it alongside another eligible benefit, you may still qualify based on that.

What if I receive multiple qualifying benefits?

You’ll still only receive one £10 bonus, even if you qualify through multiple benefits.

Can a married couple both receive the bonus?

Yes, if both partners qualify individually. In some cases, one partner may still receive the bonus if specific conditions are met.

Who should I contact if I don’t get my payment?

If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received the bonus by 1st January, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or the Pension Service for assistance.