The DWP £10 Christmas Bonus for 2025 has been officially confirmed, continuing a long-standing government tradition that began in the early 1970s. Every December, eligible benefit claimants across the UK receive this small but symbolic payment, designed to bring a bit of extra help during the festive period.
Despite rumours of an increase to £200 circulating on social media, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified that the Christmas Bonus will remain £10 for 2025. The amount is fixed, tax-free, and paid automatically to people receiving certain benefits or pensions.
DWP £10 Christmas Bonus 2025 Highlights
| Amount | £10 |
| Payment Date | 1–5 December 2025 |
| Eligibility | Claimants receiving qualifying DWP or HMRC benefits |
| Application | Not required – automatic payment |
| Payment Reference | “DWP XB” on bank statement |
| Tax Status | Tax-free and non-repayable |
| Purpose | Small financial support during the holiday season |
What Is the DWP £10 Christmas Bonus?
The DWP £10 Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free payment given every December to eligible benefit recipients. It aims to provide a modest financial boost during the holiday period, helping with small seasonal costs like heating, groceries, or festive treats.
You do not need to apply for this payment. It will appear automatically in your account, usually under the transaction reference “DWP XB.” The money is paid separately from your regular benefit or pension payment.
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Why the £200 Rumour Is False
Every year, social media posts claim the DWP has raised the Christmas Bonus to £200, but these reports are false. The payment has remained at £10 since its introduction in 1972.
While some government support schemes, such as the Winter Fuel Payment and Cost of Living Payments, are worth hundreds of pounds, they are entirely separate programmes. The DWP has made no announcement about increasing the Christmas Bonus amount for 2025.
If the payment had increased with inflation since the 1970s, it would now be worth more than £100. Campaigners have urged the government to review it, but for now, it stays at £10.
Who Qualifies for the DWP £10 Christmas Bonus
To receive the £10 Christmas Bonus, you must meet two main conditions during the qualifying week the first full week of December 2025:
Residency Requirements
You must live in the UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, or Gibraltar.
Benefit Requirements
You must receive at least one of the following qualifying benefits during that week:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit (guarantee element)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related after 13 weeks)
- Incapacity Benefit
- War Pension or War Widow(er)’s Pension
- Widow’s or Widowed Parent’s Benefit
Note: Universal Credit alone does not qualify. However, if you receive Universal Credit along with one of the benefits listed above, you will still get the payment.
For couples, if both partners receive qualifying benefits, each will receive £10 — making it £20 per household.
When the Payment Will Arrive
The DWP £10 Christmas Bonus will be paid automatically during the first full week of December 2025. Payments are expected to arrive between 1 and 5 December.
It will be sent to the same bank or building society account used for your regular benefit or pension payment. The entry on your statement will appear as “DWP XB.”
If your regular payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the DWP may issue the bonus slightly earlier to ensure you receive it on time.
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What to Do If You Don’t Receive the Payment
If mid-December passes and your £10 Christmas Bonus hasn’t arrived, take these steps:
- Check eligibility – Confirm you were receiving a qualifying benefit during the first full week of December.
- Verify your bank details – If your account recently changed, the payment may have gone to your old account.
- Allow time for processing – Some payments may take longer during the holiday season.
- Contact the right department:
- Pensioners: Call The Pension Service.
- Working-age claimants: Contact Jobcentre Plus.
You may be asked to provide proof of your benefit status before the DWP can trace the missing payment.
Does the £10 Christmas Bonus Affect Other Benefits?
No. The DWP £10 Christmas Bonus does not affect any other benefits, tax credits, or pension payments. It is not counted as income and therefore does not reduce your entitlement to Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Pension Credit.
It is a completely tax-free, standalone payment, which means you can keep the full amount without any deductions.
Why the Bonus Still Matters
Although £10 might seem small, the Christmas Bonus remains a symbolic gesture of recognition from the government toward millions of long-term benefit recipients and pensioners.
For many on fixed or low incomes, it represents a meaningful contribution to small holiday expenses such as heating, food, or festive supplies.
However, advocacy organisations such as Age UK and Citizens Advice continue to call for the amount to be updated to reflect modern living costs. They argue that adjusting it to inflation — or even raising it to £50 or £100 would better meet the financial needs of today’s pensioners and disabled individuals.
Other Winter Support You Might Qualify For
If you receive the DWP Christmas Bonus, you might also be eligible for other winter support programmes, including:
- Winter Fuel Payment: £100–£300 for people aged 66 or over.
- Cold Weather Payment: £25 per week if the temperature in your area stays below freezing for seven consecutive days.
- Household Support Fund: Help from local councils with energy bills, rent, or food costs.
- Cost of Living Payments: Larger lump sums for households receiving means-tested benefits or disability support.
Together, these payments can provide hundreds of pounds of extra help during the winter season.
Calls for Change
The £10 Christmas Bonus has not changed in over five decades, and many MPs have suggested modernising it to keep pace with inflation. Some proposals include linking the payment to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), so it automatically adjusts each year.
While the government has acknowledged ongoing discussions about updating the bonus, no confirmed plans are in place. For now, the £10 figure remains unchanged for 2025.
FAQs About DWP £10 Christmas Bonus 2025
No. The official payment remains £10. The £200 rumour is false.
Between 1 and 5 December 2025, directly into your usual benefit account.
No application is required. The DWP pays it automatically if you qualify.
No. The payment is tax-free and will not change any other benefit entitlements.
Wait until mid-December, check your bank details, and contact the DWP or your local Jobcentre if it still hasn’t arrived.
The DWP £10 Christmas Bonus continues to serve as a small but meaningful annual gesture of goodwill for millions of benefit recipients across the UK. While modest in value, it carries symbolic importance and reinforces the government’s recognition of those on pensions and long-term support.
Although many hope for an increase in future years, the 2025 payment remains a consistent and automatic benefit ensuring that eligible pensioners and claimants receive a little extra help during the festive season.
