Millions of state pensioners are going to receive an extra Christmas gift from the Government paid directly into their bank account. December is notorious for being expensive. Households spend on average £713 more in December, which is 29% more than in a typical month.
It hits many pensioners hard, so the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is handing out a Christmas bonus over the next week. The Christmas Bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas, paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week. This is normally the first full week of December, which is December 1 to December 7.
The one-off UK government Christmas payment has been £10 since it was first introduced in 1972. The amount has remained unchanged for over five decades, with no permanent increases.
In 1972, £10 could buy a week’s worth of groceries. If the Government had increased it to keep pace with inflation it would be £119.47 in 2025.
You do not need to claim it – you should get paid automatically. All benefits, pensions and allowances are normally paid into an account, such as your bank account. It may show up as ‘DWP XB’ on your bank statement.
People who claim one of 20 benefits, allowances and pensions are eligible:
Adult Disability Payment
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Carer’s Allowance
Carer Support Payment
Child Disability Payment
Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
Disability Living Allowance
Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
Mobility Supplement
Pension Age Disability Payment
Pension Credit - the guarantee element
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)
Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
War Widow’s Pension
Widowed Mother’s Allowance
Widowed Parent’s Allowance
Widow’s Pension
If you receive Universal Credit as a stand-alone benefit, you must also receive one of the listed benefits to be eligible for the bonus. You must be a resident of the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar.
If you think you should get it, but have not by January 1, contact the Jobcentre Plus office that deals with your payments or the Pension Service, and they should be able to help you.
