It’s the same story every December cold weather, rising bills, and that familiar £10 bonus quietly landing in millions of bank accounts. But despite calls for an update, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the 2025 Christmas Bonus remains at £10, unchanged since the 1970s.
So, while it won’t cover much more than a roast chicken and a pack of mince pies these days, for many UK residents on benefits or pensions, it’s a small but welcome symbol of seasonal support — automatic, tax-free, and arriving just in time for the most expensive month of the year.
What Is the DWP Christmas Bonus?
In simple terms, the Christmas Bonus is a one-off £10 payment, delivered automatically to people receiving specific government benefits. It’s tax-free, doesn’t count as income, and doesn’t affect your other entitlements.
| Bonus Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | £10 (tax-free, one-off) |
| Payment Type | Included in regular benefit payment |
| Payment Label | Appears as “DWP XB” |
| Application Needed? | No – automatic for eligible claimants |
| Timing | Early-to-mid December 2025 |
First introduced in 1972, the £10 Christmas Bonus has never been increased — even as inflation has made it worth about £1.20 in today’s money.
Still, its automatic nature and symbolic value continue to give it relevance in the wider support system.
Who Is Eligible in 2025?
To qualify for the 2025 Christmas Bonus, you must be living in the UK (or in certain approved countries) and receiving at least one qualifying benefit during the qualifying week, which is usually the first full week of December.
Here’s the official list of confirmed eligible benefits for 2025:
| Benefit Name | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| State Pension | Yes |
| Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit) | Yes |
| Universal Credit (linked cases only) | Yes |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Yes |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Yes |
| Attendance Allowance | Yes |
| Carer’s Allowance | Yes |
| Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance | Yes |
| Income-related Employment Support Allowance | Yes |
| Severe Disablement Allowance | Yes |
| Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit | Yes |
| Armed Forces Independence Payment | Yes |
| War Widow(er)’s Pension | Yes |
| Constant Attendance Allowance | Yes |
| Widowed Parent’s Allowance | Yes |
| Invalid Care Allowance | Yes |
If you receive more than one qualifying benefit, you’ll still only receive one £10 payment. However, if you and your partner both qualify separately, you’ll each get £10, totalling £20 per household.
When Will the Bonus Be Paid?
The DWP has confirmed that payments will roll out between 9–20 December 2025, depending on your usual benefit schedule. You won’t see a separate deposit — the bonus is simply added to your regular benefit payment.
You’ll know it’s arrived when you see “DWP XB” on your bank statement or online journal.
Example Statement:
“DWP STATE PENSION XB £10.00”
If your regular payment date falls outside the qualifying week, or if you’ve only recently applied for benefits, you might not receive the bonus unless you were officially entitled during the first full week of December.
How to Confirm You’ve Received It
Most people won’t need to do anything — but if you want to check:
- Log in to your online Universal Credit or Pension account
- Look for the “DWP XB” tag in your payment history
- Wait until 23 December 2025 before contacting DWP if it hasn’t arrived
If you don’t receive the bonus but believe you’re eligible, contact:
- The DWP helpline
- Or send a message via your Universal Credit journal
Errors usually relate to missing paperwork, out-of-date banking info, or payments falling outside the qualifying week.
Why Hasn’t It Increased?
This is the question that won’t go away. In 1972, £10 was the equivalent of about £130 today — enough for a full holiday shop, gifts, and maybe even a short trip.
Fast forward to 2025, and that same £10 feels more like a token gesture.
Campaign groups like Age UK and Citizens Advice have long argued for uprating the bonus with inflation, or at least replacing it with a more meaningful winter grant.
But according to the government, the bonus is “not intended to meet rising costs on its own”. Instead, they point to other winter supports:
| Winter Support Scheme | Amount | Who It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Fuel Payment | £250–£600 | Pensioners aged 66+ |
| Cold Weather Payment | £25 per cold week | Low-income households |
| Cost of Living Payments | Up to £900 | Universal Credit & PIP claimants |
| Christmas Bonus (this one) | £10 | Multiple benefit claimants |
In other words, the £10 isn’t meant to do the heavy lifting — just offer a predictable top-up to go alongside broader winter support.
Why It Still Matters in 2025
Even though it hasn’t been uprated in 53 years, the Christmas Bonus continues to play a quiet but symbolic role in the UK’s welfare calendar.
For many, especially older pensioners and carers, it represents reliability and recognition — a small, steady sign that the system hasn’t forgotten them.
And because it’s:
- Tax-free
- Guaranteed
- Automatic
- Unaffected by other income
…it’s one of the few things in the system that requires no chasing or paperwork.
Real Stories from Claimants
“It’s not life-changing, but it means I can get a little something for the grandkids without dipping into my food money.”
— Margaret, 79, Liverpool
“Last year, it covered the postage for our Christmas cards. That’s something.”
— Gary and Denise, both on Attendance Allowance
For people already stretching every pound, that extra tenner — even now — still has value.
FAQs
When will the 2025 Christmas Bonus be paid?
Between 9–20 December 2025, included with your usual benefit payment.
How much is the Christmas Bonus in 2025?
£10, tax-free and issued automatically to qualifying recipients.
Do I need to apply to receive it?
No. If you’re eligible, it will be paid automatically.
Will it affect my other benefits?
No. It doesn’t count as income and won’t reduce any other payments.
What if I don’t receive the bonus?
Check for the “DWP XB” label in your statement. If it’s missing by 23 December, contact the DWP or use your UC journal to raise the issue.
