Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK receiving key disability and income support benefits are set to receive a small financial boost this month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it is issuing a second payment during December to eligible claimants.
Who Qualifies for the Extra December Payment?
This additional sum, officially known as the Christmas Bonus, is targeted at more vulnerable groups. It will be paid automatically to individuals who are claiming certain benefits during the qualifying week, which is typically the first full week of December.
The payment is worth an extra £10 and is designed to provide a minor lift to household finances over the expensive festive season. The key benefits that make someone eligible include:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- State Pension
Claimants do not need to apply for this money. The DWP will pay it directly into the same bank account used for regular benefit payments.
When Will the Christmas Bonus Arrive?
The £10 Christmas Bonus will be entering bank accounts at some point during December, specifically in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day. Households are advised to monitor their accounts closely over the next couple of weeks to see when the top-up lands.
This payment is separate and comes on top of the usual monthly or weekly benefit money. It will appear as a distinct transaction, so recipients should be able to identify it easily.
Calls for Increase and Government Stance
Despite the cost of living rising significantly in recent years, the rate of the DWP's Christmas Bonus has remained frozen at £10 for many years. Charities and campaigners have repeatedly called on the Government to increase this amount to better reflect modern financial pressures, especially for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
However, Government officials have consistently refused to raise the bonus from its current level. This means that for the 2025 festive period, the one-off support remains at the long-standing £10 rate.
For those who rely on benefits like PIP, ESA, and DLA, this extra payment, though modest, offers a small but welcome contribution towards December's costs. Eligible individuals should expect to see the funds arrive automatically before Christmas.
