As the final days of 2025 approach, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is issuing crucial financial support to eligible households across the UK. Key payments, including the annual Winter Fuel Payment and the one-off Christmas Bonus, are scheduled to arrive in bank accounts before the deadline of 1 January 2026.
Winter Fuel Payment Details and Tax Implications
The Winter Fuel Payment, designed to help older people with heating costs, is typically paid in November or December. The amount received varies between £100 and £300, depending on the recipient's age and living circumstances during the qualifying period.
It is important to note that this payment is subject to tax for higher earners. If your annual income exceeds £35,000, the payment will be automatically reclaimed through the tax system, as confirmed by DWP guidance.
The £10 Christmas Bonus: Who Qualifies?
A separate, tax-free £10 Christmas Bonus is also being distributed. This payment is traditionally made during the first full week of December, which for 2025 fell between the 1st and 7th of the month.
To be eligible, individuals must have been receiving one of a specified list of benefits during the 'qualifying week'. The bonus is paid automatically to those on State Pension or qualifying benefits, and all payments are due by 1 January 2026.
Full List of Benefits Qualifying for the Christmas Bonus
The DWP has confirmed that recipients of the following benefits are eligible for the £10 Christmas Bonus payment:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit (guarantee element)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Carer Support Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after the initial 13-week assessment phase)
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Industrial Death Benefit
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
- War Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
With the new year fast approaching, recipients are advised to check their bank accounts for these scheduled payments. The DWP stresses that payments are made automatically, so there is no need to apply. Anyone who believes they are eligible but has not received their due payment by the January 1 deadline should contact the relevant DWP or benefits office.
