2025 DWP Christmas Bonus & Holiday Payment Dates Explained

December is always a tight month for UK households, and in 2025 the squeeze is still very real: higher food prices, rising rents and steep energy bills all hit at the same time as Christmas costs. Knowing exactly when your benefit payments land – and whether you’ll get the DWP Christmas Bonus – can make the difference between a calm festive period and a cash-flow panic.

This guide focuses on the 2025 DWP Christmas Bonus, how bank holidays affect your benefit payment dates over Christmas and New Year, and what support still exists now that the main Cost of Living Payments have ended. It’s written for people in the UK on Universal Credit, State Pension and other DWP benefits who need clear, practical information they can rely on.

Who Qualifies for the 2025 DWP Christmas Bonus

The DWP Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment paid before Christmas to people on certain long-term benefits. The amount has been frozen at £10 since the 1970s, so it won’t solve Christmas on its own, but it is still worth checking you qualify – especially if you’re already juggling a tight budget.

Basic rules for the 2025 Christmas Bonus

In 2025, you’re normally entitled to the Christmas Bonus if:

You’re “present or ordinarily resident” in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week.
You’re getting at least one qualifying benefit during that same week.
You’re not excluded because you’ve only got a benefit that doesn’t qualify (for example, Universal Credit on its own).

The qualifying week is the first full week of December. For 2025, that is expected to be Monday 1 December to Sunday 7 December 2025.

Qualifying benefits for the Christmas Bonus

You usually qualify for the £10 Christmas Bonus if, during the qualifying week, you receive at least one of the following:

State Pension (basic or new State Pension, including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
Pension Credit – guarantee element
Attendance Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Adult Disability Payment / Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment (Scotland)
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Constant Attendance Allowance (industrial injuries or war pensions)
Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – main phase
Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
Severe Disablement Allowance
Unemployability Supplement or Allowance
War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
War Widow’s/Widower’s Pension
Widowed Mother’s Allowance / Widowed Parent’s Allowance / Widow’s Pension
Industrial Death Benefit (widows or widowers)

You only get one £10 bonus per person, even if you receive several of these benefits. Couples can each receive £10 if both meet the conditions.

Who does not get the Christmas Bonus?

People on Universal Credit only (you must also be on a qualifying disability, pension or carer benefit).
People who are abroad and not “ordinarily resident” in a qualifying country during the week (with limited exceptions in the EEA/Switzerland).
People whose qualifying benefit has stopped before the qualifying week, or who haven’t started it yet.

The bonus is paid automatically into the same account as your usual benefit. It normally shows on your statement as “DWP XB” (or similar). You do not need to claim it.

Exact Christmas & New Year Payment Dates by Benefit Type

The DWP and HMRC work to a simple rule: if your benefit payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, you’re normally paid on the last working day before. In December 2025 and early January 2026 the key bank holidays are:

Thursday 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day (all UK)
Friday 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day (all UK)
Thursday 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day (all UK)
Friday 2 January 2026 – additional New Year bank holiday (Scotland only)

That means many payments that would normally fall on those dates will be moved. The exact date for you will be confirmed on your benefit statement or online account, but these are the typical patterns for 2025/26, based on standard DWP rules.

Key “moved” dates most people will see in 2025

Payments due Thu 25 or Fri 26 December 2025 – usually paid on Wednesday 24 December 2025.
Payments due over the weekend of 27–28 December 2025 – many will also be brought forward to Wednesday 24 December 2025, depending on the benefit.
Payments due Thu 1 January 2026 – usually paid on Wednesday 31 December 2025.
Payments due Fri 2 January 2026 (Scotland) – generally paid on Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Always double-check your award letter or online account, as some benefits (especially in Scotland) can follow slightly different patterns.

Expected Christmas & New Year dates by benefit (2025/26)

Universal Credit

Paid monthly on the same date each month, based on your assessment period.
If that date is 25 or 26 December 2025, your payment is normally moved to 24 December 2025.
If your date is 1 January 2026, your payment is usually moved to 31 December 2025.
Your online UC account will show the confirmed payment date a few days in advance.

State Pension & Pension Credit

Usually paid every 4 weeks on a weekday, linked to your National Insurance number.
Payments due on 25 or 26 December 2025 are normally paid on 24 December 2025.
Payments due on 1 January 2026 are usually paid on 31 December 2025.
Scottish payments due 2 January 2026 are also generally moved to 31 December 2025.

PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance

Normally paid every 4 weeks on a set weekday.
If your normal date is a bank holiday, you should see the money on the previous working day.
So dates falling on 25 or 26 December 2025 are likely to be paid on 24 December 2025.
Dates falling on 1 January 2026 should be paid on 31 December 2025.

Carer’s Allowance / Carer Support Payment (Scotland)

Typically paid weekly or 4-weekly depending on your choice.
Holiday rules are the same: if the normal date is a bank holiday, you’re usually paid on the last working day before.

ESA, JSA, Income Support

Usually paid fortnightly on a set weekday.
Payments due on Christmas Day or Boxing Day should move to 24 December 2025.
Payments due on 1 January 2026 should move to 31 December 2025.

Child Benefit

Normally paid every 4 weeks, with its own published bank holiday schedule.
Where a Child Benefit date clashes with a bank holiday, HMRC publishes an official alternative date – check the Child Benefit “bank holidays” page on GOV.UK.

Tax Credits (where still in payment)

Handled by HMRC, but the same principle applies – if your payment date is a bank holiday, it’s usually paid the working day before.

**2025/26 festive period – typical moved payment dates (overview)**
Usual payment date	Nation	Most likely payment date	Applies to
Thu 25 Dec 2025 (Christmas Day)	UK-wide	Wed 24 Dec 2025	Most DWP/HMRC benefits, including UC, State Pension, PIP, DLA, ESA, JSA, Child Benefit, Tax Credits
Fri 26 Dec 2025 (Boxing Day)	UK-wide	Wed 24 Dec 2025	Most DWP/HMRC benefits
Sat 27 / Sun 28 Dec 2025	UK-wide	Usually Fri 26 or Wed 24 Dec 2025	Depends on benefit; many are brought forward to 24 December
Thu 1 Jan 2026 (New Year’s Day)	UK-wide	Wed 31 Dec 2025	UC, State Pension, ESA, JSA, PIP, DLA, Child Benefit, Tax Credits
Fri 2 Jan 2026 (New Year bank holiday)	Scotland only	Wed 31 Dec 2025	DWP benefits and Social Security Scotland payments due that day

Treat the table as a guide. Your own payment date may differ slightly, so always rely on:

Your latest award letter or payment schedule.
Your online Universal Credit or pension account, if you have one.
Any texts or letters you’ve had from the DWP, HMRC or Social Security Scotland.

Common payment date myths debunked

“I’ll be paid late because of Christmas.” In practice, payments are almost always on time or early when a bank holiday is involved.
“An early payment means I’ve had extra money.” No – an early payment is just your normal amount, paid sooner. Your next payment will still follow the usual pattern, which means the gap to that one is longer.
“Everyone gets the Christmas Bonus.” Only people on specific long-term benefits qualify. Universal Credit by itself is not enough.
“If I don’t see ‘DWP XB’, I definitely won’t get the bonus.” The code is usual, but not guaranteed. If you think you qualify and haven’t seen the payment by early January, you can contact the DWP or Pension Service to query it.
“Bank holiday rules are different for Universal Credit.” The principle is the same – if your usual date is a bank holiday, the payment is made on the previous working day. The exact pattern over Christmas can vary slightly, so always check your UC journal.

How bank holidays move your pay date

If your payment date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s normally paid on the Friday before.
If it falls on a bank holiday Monday, it’s usually paid on the previous Friday.
If it falls on a Christmas or New Year bank holiday, it’s normally paid on the last working day before the holiday period (24 or 31 December in 2025/26).
The amount you get doesn’t change – only the date moves.
Earlier payment = longer gap before the next one, so it’s worth budgeting extra carefully over the festive period.

Contact details: DWP, Pension Service, UC helplines

Universal Credit helpline (if you can’t use your online account):
Tel: 0800 328 5644 (England, Scotland, Wales)
Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
Pension Service (State Pension / Pension Credit enquiries):
Tel: 0800 731 0469 (England, Scotland, Wales)
Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
Jobcentre Plus – existing benefit claims (JSA, ESA, Income Support):
Tel: 0800 169 0310
Child Benefit helpline (HMRC):
Tel: 0300 200 3100
Social Security Scotland (for Scottish-devolved benefits):
Go to mygov.scot or search “Social Security Scotland contact” for the latest numbers and opening hours.

Lines are usually closed on bank holidays themselves, so aim to call before or after the main holiday dates if you need to speak to someone.

What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing or Delayed

If you’re expecting money around Christmas or New Year and it doesn’t arrive, act quickly – but in the right order. A simple bank delay is common; a problem with your claim needs DWP or HMRC to step in.

Step-by-step checklist

Check the exact date you were due to be paid Look at:
- Your award letter or recent decision notice.
- Your online UC journal or pension/benefit account.
- Any recent texts or letters from DWP, HMRC or Social Security Scotland.
Make sure you’re not expecting money on a bank holiday that has already been moved.
Check your bank, building society or Post Office account Refresh your app, check pending transactions, or use a cash machine or mini-statement. Payments can arrive any time during the day, not always at midnight.
Allow a short buffer If the money is usually in by early morning and still hasn’t appeared by late morning or early afternoon, move to the next step – especially if it’s a key bill or rent day.
Check for messages about your claim For Universal Credit, log into your online account and check for:
- Messages asking for more information or evidence.
- Notifications of a sanction or a change in your award.
For other benefits, check recent letters or emails.
Contact the right helpline Use the numbers above and have ready:
- Your National Insurance number.
- Details of the benefit you’re missing.
- The date and amount you were expecting.
- Any messages you’ve had from DWP or HMRC.
If you’ve had no income and you’re in hardship Ask about:
- A short-term benefit advance (Universal Credit or other benefits).
- Emergency help from your council’s Household Support Fund or local welfare assistance.
- Food bank vouchers via Citizens Advice or other local charities.

If your £10 Christmas Bonus is missing and you think you qualify, wait until the end of December. If it still hasn’t appeared in your account by early January, contact:

Your Jobcentre Plus office (if the qualifying benefit is handled there), or
The Pension Service (if you’re a State Pension or Pension Credit recipient).

Cost-of-Living Support After 2024: What Still Exists in 2025

The series of main Cost of Living Payments (£301, £300, £299 and similar) that ran between 2022 and 2024 has now ended. There is no UK-wide Cost of Living Payment for 2025, and the government has said there are no further automatic payments planned.

That doesn’t mean there’s no help at all – but it does mean you need to know where to look, and most support now depends on your local council or your individual circumstances.

1. Household Support Fund (England)

In England, councils continue to run the Household Support Fund (HSF), which has been extended through to 31 March 2026. This is money given to local councils to support households that are struggling with essentials such as:

Energy and water bills
Food and basic household items
Emergency help with other essentials

Each council sets its own rules: some give supermarket or energy vouchers; others offer one-off cash grants paid directly to you or your supplier. To find out what’s available:

Go to GOV.UK and search for “cost of living help local council”, then enter your postcode.
Or search online for “Household Support Fund” plus your council’s name.

2. Devolved support (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Support is different outside England:

Scotland – schemes like the Scottish Welfare Fund, additional help via Social Security Scotland and local authority crisis grants.
Wales – the Discretionary Assistance Fund plus local support and help with council tax and rent.
Northern Ireland – separate cost of living schemes and local welfare support, listed on the NI Direct website.

Check your devolved government’s site for the up-to-date position: mygov.scot, gov.wales or nidirect.gov.uk.

3. Winter Fuel Payment (pensioners)

If you’re over State Pension age, you may receive a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2025–26, usually £100–£300 depending on your age and circumstances. This is paid automatically to most eligible pensioners and normally arrives in November or December.

Recent rule changes mean that higher-income pensioners may have to repay the support through the tax system, and some eligibility is now linked to having a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit. Always check the latest rules on the official Winter Fuel Payment page before relying on it.

4. Pension Credit and linked help

Pension Credit remains a crucial income top-up for older people. Being entitled to Pension Credit can also unlock:

Access to Winter Fuel Payment under the new rules.
Help with council tax and sometimes rent.
Extra help from local schemes and charities that use Pension Credit as a gateway.

If you’re over State Pension age and on a low income, it’s always worth checking your eligibility – even if you own your home or have some savings.

5. Discretionary Housing Payments & Council Tax support

If you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and still can’t cover your rent, you may be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment from your local council.

Separate support exists for Council Tax Reduction, which can lower your council tax bill if you’re on a low income or certain benefits. Each council runs its own scheme, so you’ll need to check locally.

6. Budgeting advances (Universal Credit)

If you’re on Universal Credit and facing an emergency cost – for example, no money for food, or urgent essential household items – you may be able to apply for a Budgeting Advance. These:

Are repaid from your future Universal Credit payments, interest-free.
Have a maximum amount, typically up to £812 for a couple with children (figures can change each year).
Can reduce your future UC income until the advance is fully repaid.

You apply via your UC journal or by calling the Universal Credit helpline.

FAQ: DWP Christmas Bonus & Holiday Payments 2025

How much is the DWP Christmas Bonus in 2025?

The Christmas Bonus is still £10 per person in 2025. It’s tax-free and does not affect your other benefits, but it has not been increased for inflation since it was introduced.

When will the Christmas Bonus be paid in 2025?

The bonus is normally paid in the first half of December. For 2025, if you qualify during the expected qualifying week (1–7 December), you should see the payment – usually marked “DWP XB” – in your bank account by Christmas. If it’s still missing by early January, contact the office that pays your benefit or the Pension Service.

Do you get the Christmas Bonus on Universal Credit?

Not on Universal Credit alone. You only qualify if you also get a separate long-term benefit that’s on the DWP’s Christmas Bonus list, such as State Pension, Pension Credit, PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance.

Will my benefit be paid earlier or later over Christmas 2025?

If your usual payday falls on 25 or 26 December 2025 or 1 January 2026, you’ll normally be paid on the last working day before that date (typically 24 or 31 December). Payments are almost never delayed because of bank holidays – they are brought forward instead.

What should I do if my payment hasn’t arrived?

First, check your award letter, online account and bank statement, and allow a few hours on the due date. If the money still hasn’t arrived, call the relevant helpline (Universal Credit, Pension Service, Jobcentre Plus or HMRC for Child Benefit/Tax Credits). If you have no money at all, ask about hardship help, Budgeting Advances or local Household Support Fund schemes.

Is there a Cost of Living Payment in 2025?

No. The main series of Cost of Living Payments ended in February 2024 and the government has confirmed there is no equivalent payment for 2025. Support now comes through regular benefit uprating, local council schemes, the Household Support Fund (in England) and devolved support in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Will my benefits stop if I go away over Christmas?

Going abroad can affect some benefits, especially if you’re away for more than a short period or fail to tell DWP about the trip. Universal Credit and contributions-based benefits have specific rules about time abroad. Always report changes in circumstances and check the travel rules for your specific benefits before you book.

Where can I get independent benefits advice?

Organisations such as Citizens Advice, local welfare rights services, charities and housing associations can check your entitlement and help you challenge decisions. Online benefit calculators from trusted charities can also help you see if you’re missing out on support.

Conclusion: Getting your money in time for Christmas

In a year where budgets are still under pressure, understanding how the DWP Christmas Bonus works and when your benefits will be paid over the holidays is essential. The bonus remains a small £10 payment, but the real impact on your December cash flow comes from bank holiday shifts that can bring payments forward to 24 and 31 December 2025.

Use your award letters and online accounts to confirm your exact dates, watch for the “DWP XB” code in December, and contact the appropriate helpline quickly if anything looks wrong. Beyond Christmas, check what local cost-of-living support you can claim in 2025 – from the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments to Winter Fuel Payments and Pension Credit. The more you know now, the easier it is to steer your finances calmly through the festive season and into the new year.

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