As the festive season draws near, millions of benefit claimants across the UK will receive a small but meaningful boost in their bank accounts: the Christmas Bonus. If you’re wondering whether it applies to you, when you’ll get it and how much it is — here’s a full breakdown of the Christmas Bonus for 2025 from the DWP.
What is the Christmas Bonus?
The Christmas Bonus is a one‑off, tax‑free payment of £10 issued by the DWP each year (in some cases through partner agencies in Scotland or Northern Ireland) to people who are claiming certain qualifying benefits during a specified “qualifying week” in early December.
This payment is not to be confused with regular benefit payments; it is a seasonal “bonus” meant as a gesture of support at the end of the year.
Key Features & Payment Overview
Here’s a summary table of the main features of the Christmas Bonus for 2025:
| Feature | Description | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Payment amount | £10 tax‑free one‑off payment. | It remains £10 despite rising cost of living, so every eligible person will get this fixed amount. |
| Payment timing | Expected during the first full week of December 2025 (e.g., 1 – 7 December) though different sources may show up to first two weeks. | Ensures the money is received ahead of Christmas. |
| Qualifying week | You must be receiving a qualifying benefit during that week (the first full week of December) and ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar. | Establishes the snapshot period for eligibility. |
| Application requirement | No application needed for most people — the payment is automatic if you meet the criteria. | You don’t need to fill in a form if you already receive a qualifying benefit. |
| Benefit types that qualify | A wide list (see below). Having more than one doesn’t raise the payment – you still get one £10 payment per person. | Important to know which benefits count and that you won’t receive multiple £10 payments for multiple benefits. |
| Impact on other benefits | The payment is tax‑free and does not affect other benefit entitlements. | Good to know: you won’t lose other payments because of this bonus. |
Who Will Receive It — Eligibility Explained
To be eligible for the Christmas Bonus 2025 you generally must:
- Be ordinarily resident in the UK (or Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar) during the qualifying week.
- Be receiving one of the qualifying benefits during that week.
- Be over whatever age or condition applies to your benefit (for example pension‑age for State Pension).
- Note: If you are in a couple, each person may qualify separately if they receive a qualifying benefit — in that case each person gets the £10.
Qualifying benefits (examples):
Here are some of the benefits that qualify — note there are more on the official list:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment & Support Allowance (once you are in the main phase)
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit / War Pensions etc
Who doesn’t qualify?
- If you only receive benefit(s) not listed among the qualifying list then you will not get the Christmas Bonus.
- If you are not resident in the qualifying countries during the week.
- If you receive a qualifying benefit but the award does not cover the qualifying week (e.g., your claim started after the week).
Payment Dates, How It’s Paid & What to Look For
- The DWP expects payment to be made early December 2025, often within the first full week of December.
- The bonus is paid into the same bank account you normally receive your benefit or State Pension.
- On your bank statement it will typically show as: “DWP XB” (XB = Christmas Bonus) or similar reference.
- If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received the payment by early January 2026 you should contact the DWP or relevant benefit agency to check your entitlement.
Why It Matters & Things to Note
- Though £10 may seem modest, for many claimants on low or fixed incomes this payment is a welcome additional boost during the festive period.
- It is automatic, so eligible claimants do not normally need to take action — but you should check you remain eligible and your details are correct.
- Because the payment amount has not increased since 1972, campaigners argue the value in today’s cost‑of‑living context is very limited.
- It does not reduce or impact any other benefits or State Pension; so there’s no downside to receiving it, but there’s also no extra benefit beyond the £10.
- Being aware of the payment helps with budgeting — you’ll know to expect something extra in December, however small, and you’ll know what to look for in your account.
FAQs — Quick Answers
Q1: Do I need to apply for the Christmas Bonus?
No — if you’re on a qualifying benefit in the specified week the payment is automatic.
Q2: How much is the Christmas Bonus for 2025?
It is £10 tax‑free.
Q3: Will I get more than one £10 payment if I receive multiple qualifying benefits?
No — you get one £10 payment per person, regardless of how many qualifying benefits you have.