Kuni Lingston
With over 24 million people in the UK currently receiving at least one benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the government has confirmed that millions will receive an extra £10 bonus this December.
Known as the Christmas Bonus, this tax-free, one-off payment has been part of the UK’s welfare system for more than 50 years and continues in 2025 for those on qualifying benefits.
Let’s break down who gets it, when to expect it, and everything you need to know.
What Is the £10 Christmas Bonus?
The DWP Christmas Bonus is a £10 tax-free payment made to individuals who are receiving certain benefits during a specific week in early December. It is issued automatically, with no application required.
This payment is separate from your regular benefit payment and will show in your bank account as “DWP XB”.
Although £10 may seem small in today’s economy, it’s a historic feature of the benefit system, introduced by Prime Minister Ted Heath in 1972. Adjusted for inflation, that £10 would be worth about £118 today.
Who Will Get the Christmas Bonus in 2025?
To qualify, you must meet two main criteria:
- Be “ordinarily resident” in the UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Gibraltar, EEA, or Switzerland during the qualifying week, expected to be December 1 to 7, 2025.
- Receive at least one of the following qualifying benefits during that same week.
List of Qualifying Benefits
The bonus applies to a broad range of benefits. Here’s the full list:
| Qualifying Benefit | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| State Pension (including Graduated Retirement) | Yes |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Yes |
| Attendance Allowance | Yes |
| Carer’s Allowance | Yes |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Yes |
| Pension Credit (Guarantee Element) | Yes |
| Armed Forces Independence Payment | Yes |
| Child Disability Payment (Scotland only) | Yes |
| Adult Disability Payment (Scotland only) | Yes |
| Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland only) | Yes |
| Carer Support Payment (Scotland only) | Yes |
| Severe Disablement Allowance | Yes |
| Incapacity Benefit (long-term rate) | Yes |
| Contribution-based ESA (after 13 weeks) | Yes |
| Industrial Death Benefit | Yes |
| Constant Attendance Allowance | Yes |
| War Disablement Pension | Yes |
| War Widow(er)’s Pension | Yes |
| Widowed Parent’s or Widow’s Pension | Yes |
Exceptions and Special Cases
Not Eligible If:
- You only receive Universal Credit
- You have not yet claimed your State Pension and don’t receive any of the qualifying benefits
Couples and Civil Partnerships:
If both partners receive qualifying benefits, each will receive £10. If only one partner qualifies, the other may still get the bonus if:
- Both are over State Pension age
- Both were present in the UK/EEA/Switzerland during the qualifying week
- One partner receives a benefit increased for the other, or receives Pension Credit
How Will the Bonus Be Paid?
- You do not need to apply
- Payment will be made automatically
- It will appear as “DWP XB” on bank statements
- Funds will be deposited into the same account where you usually receive benefits
When Will It Be Paid?
The payment is usually made during the first two weeks of December. In 2025, payments are expected to be issued shortly after the qualifying week (Dec 1–7), and before Christmas Eve.
Why Has the Bonus Not Increased Since 1972?
While the £10 bonus helped significantly in 1972, its value has decreased due to inflation. In today’s economy, it would be worth around £118, yet no government has adjusted the amount in over five decades. While some campaigners argue it should be updated, the current structure remains unchanged.
The DWP’s £10 Christmas Bonus may be modest in amount, but it continues to be a meaningful gesture during the holiday season for millions of benefit recipients.
If you’re receiving any of the 23 qualifying benefits, and are a resident in the UK or eligible regions during the qualifying week in December 2025, you’ll likely receive this payment automatically—no forms, no requests, just a little extra in your account to help with rising costs.
Check your My DWP or bank statement around mid-December for the code “DWP XB”, and stay informed for any updates on the official GOV.UK site.
FAQs
Do I need to apply to receive the £10 Christmas Bonus?
No. If you’re eligible, the bonus will be paid automatically into your usual benefit account.
What if I only receive Universal Credit?
Unfortunately, Universal Credit alone does not qualify for the Christmas Bonus.
Can my partner receive the bonus too?
Yes, if both of you receive qualifying benefits, each person will receive £10 separately. If only one partner qualifies, additional criteria must be met.