UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that payments normally due on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day will be paid early to avoid holiday delays. Additionally, the annual £10 one-off Christmas Bonus will be credited to eligible claimants during the festive season
DWP Advances Payments for Christmas and New Year Holidays
The DWP will bring forward benefit payments normally scheduled for Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) and Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) to Wednesday 24 December (Christmas Eve). Similarly, payments due on New Year’s Day (Thursday 1 January 2026) will be paid on Wednesday 31 December 2025. This adjustment ensures recipients receive funds prior to the bank holidays, preventing any payment delays during the festive period. Universal Credit payments due on Friday 27 December may still be paid as usual, but most other benefits will arrive early on 24 December. These changes follow established DWP practices for holiday periods and apply to a wide range of benefits including Universal Credit, State Pensions, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and others.
Details of the Christmas Bonus Payment in 2025
The Christmas Bonus remains a one-off, tax-free payment of £10 credited automatically to qualifying claimants in early December. This bonus, introduced in 1972 during Edward Heath’s Conservative government, provides extra festive support to recipients of certain long-term benefits. Contrary to unfounded rumours about a larger £200 bonus, the official payment amount stays at £10 for 2025. No application is required to receive this payment, and it is credited automatically to eligible accounts.
Who Qualifies for the Christmas Bonus
Eligibility for the £10 Christmas Bonus extends to claimants receiving specific benefits on 20 November 2025. These include the State Pension, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Carer’s Allowance, Industrial Injuries Benefit, and others. Universal Credit recipients generally do not qualify for the Christmas Bonus unless they receive an additional qualifying benefit simultaneously.
Additional Benefit Payment Adjustments and Advice
Payments falling on bank holidays are consistently paid on the last working day before the holiday to prevent delays. For example, Tax Credit payments due on 27 December will be paid on 24 December, and Child Benefit due on 31 December will be paid early on 30 December in Northern Ireland. The DWP advises claimants to check their bank statements and official notifications carefully to confirm exact payment dates. Claimants are also cautioned against scams falsely promising larger Christmas bonuses or requesting personal details.
Important Dates for Payment in 2025 Christmas Period
- Payments due on 25 and 26 December will be paid on 24 December.
- Universal Credit due on 27 December will likely be paid on 27 December.
- Payments due on 1 January will be paid on 31 December.
- Tax Credit payments for 27 December recipients paid on 24 December in Northern Ireland.
- Child Benefit payments due on 31 December paid early on 30 December in Northern Ireland.