With Christmas and New Year bank holidays approaching, many people receiving benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will see changes to their payment dates in December 2025. In some cases, payments will arrive earlier than usual to avoid bank holiday delays.
There are also several winter support schemes running alongside regular benefits, including the Christmas bonus, winter fuel payment, cold weather payments, and other cost-of-living assistance. Here is a full breakdown of what to expect and when.
Will DWP Benefits Be Paid Early Before Christmas?
Yes. If your usual benefit payment date falls on a bank holiday or weekend, the DWP will normally pay you on the last working day before that date.
For Christmas 2025, this means:
- Payments due on Christmas Day (25 December) or Boxing Day (26 December)
→ Paid on Wednesday, 24 December - Payments due on New Year’s Day (1 January 2026)
→ Paid on Wednesday, 31 December
If your payment date does not fall on a bank holiday, it should arrive as normal. Payments are usually made automatically, so there is no need to contact the DWP unless your money does not arrive when expected.
How Much Is the DWP Christmas Bonus in 2025?
The DWP Christmas bonus is a one-off £10 payment made to people receiving certain benefits. While the amount has not changed in years, it is paid automatically and does not need to be claimed.
Who Is Eligible for the Christmas Bonus?
You may qualify if you receive one of the following benefits: So, head over to Goverments website to find out if you are eligible.
- State Pension
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Contribution-based ESA
- Industrial death benefit
- War pension or widow’s pension
- Severe disablement allowance
If you believe you are eligible but do not receive the bonus by 1 January, you should contact Jobcentre Plus or the Pension Service.
When Is the Cold Weather Payment Paid?
The Cold Weather Payment is paid when temperatures fall below freezing for seven consecutive days between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.
- Payment amount: £25 for each qualifying cold period
- Paid automatically to people receiving certain benefits
Here is where you can get the help for struggling families.
What About Winter Heating Payments in Scotland?
In Scotland, the Winter Heating Payment replaces the Cold Weather Payment.
- Payment amount: £59.75
- Paid once between December 2025 and February 2026
- Available to people on qualifying low-income benefits
Payments are made automatically by Social Security Scotland.
When Will the Warm Home Discount Be Applied?
The Warm Home Discount is a £150 reduction on electricity bills, applied directly between November 2025 and March 2026.
It is not paid as cash but appears as a credit on your bill if you qualify.
Conclusion
With several bank holidays falling over Christmas and New Year, DWP benefit recipients should plan ahead and expect some payments to arrive earlier than usual. Alongside adjusted payment dates, winter support schemes remain in place to help households manage higher costs during the colder months.
If your payment does not arrive on time, or if you think you may be eligible for extra support, it’s best to contact your local Jobcentre Plus, Pension Service, or council as soon as possible.
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