DWP confirms £10 Christmas bonus 2025: Who qualifies, when it hits, and how to check
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 24th July 2022 in London, United Kingdom. Image Credit: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images
As the cost of living continues to squeeze households across the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the annual Christmas Bonus, a one-off, tax-free £10 payment for people receiving certain benefits during the first full week of December. Although modest in amount, the payment is automatic and acts as a seasonal boost for millions of claimants.
What Is the Christmas Bonus and When Will It Be Paid
The Christmas Bonus is a long-standing payment introduced in 1972, and every year eligible claimants receive a £10 tax-free payment during the qualifying week, usually the first full week of December.
For 2025, the qualifying week falls between 1 and 7 December, and recipients should see the payment appear automatically in their bank accounts. It typically appears with the reference code “DWP XB” on the statement.
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Who Qualifies: The Full List of Benefits
To receive the Christmas Bonus in 2025, you must meet both a residency requirement and be receiving one of the specified benefits during the qualifying week.
Eligibility criteria:
- You are present or ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week.
- You are receiving at least one of the following qualifying benefits during that week:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit (guarantee element)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- War Disablement Pension (at State Pension age)
- War Widow’s Pension, Widow’s Pension, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, etc.
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once in the main phase after 13 weeks)
- Incapacity Benefit (long-term rate) and other legacy benefits under Industrial Injuries/War Pensions schemes
Couples rule:
If both partners receive a qualifying benefit they each get £10. If only one partner qualifies, the other partner may still be eligible if both are over State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week, both were resident in the required territories and the qualifying partner receives Pension Credit or an increase for the partner.
What the Payment Means (And What It Doesn’t)
The Christmas Bonus is automatic, you do not need to apply.
It is tax-free and does not affect any other benefits you receive.
While the amount has remained at £10 for decades, critics argue that it no longer delivers meaningful support given inflation and rising living costs. If adjusted for inflation since 1972, the payment would be worth around £118 today.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive It
If you believe you qualify but do not see the payment in your account by 1 January 2026, you should contact either your local Jobcentre Plus office (if you receive benefit through that route) or The Pension Service (if you receive State Pension).
Check your bank statement for the code “DWP XB”, if it’s missing, follow the above route.
How This Fits Into Wider Winter Support Payments
The Christmas Bonus is just one part of a wider package of support from the DWP and other government schemes as households brace for winter. One estimate suggests eligible recipients could receive up to £1,085 when combining the Christmas Bonus with other support like the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment.
Scheme summary:
- Christmas Bonus: £10 (first full week of December)
- Warm Home Discount: £150 electricity bill relief for eligible low-income households
- Winter Fuel Payment: Up to £300 for pensioners eligible
- Cold Weather Payment: £25 for each 7-day freezing period (if applicable)
FAQ
What is the DWP Christmas Bonus?
The Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free payment of £10 made by the Department for Work and Pensions for people receiving certain qualifying benefits during the first full week of December in the UK.
Who qualifies for the Christmas Bonus in 2025?
You qualify if you are present or ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week, typically the first full week of December, and you receive one of the specified benefits (e.g., State Pension, Pension Credit, PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, etc.).
How much is the Christmas Bonus and when is it paid?
The bonus amount is £10. It is paid automatically, usually in the first full week of December each year. For 2025 the payment window is between 1 and 7 December.
Do I need to apply for the Christmas Bonus?
No. If you qualify, the payment should be made automatically into the same account where you receive your benefits or pension. It will appear on your bank statement, usually with the reference “DWP XB”.
Will the Christmas Bonus affect my other benefits or tax?
No. The £10 Christmas Bonus is tax-free and does not affect your entitlement to other benefits.
What should I do if I don’t receive the Christmas Bonus?
If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria but do not see the payment by 1 January 2026, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or The Pension Service depending on which department handles your payments. Check for the reference code “DWP XB” on your bank statement first.