As December 2025 approaches, millions of UK claimants on the State Pension, PIP, and other qualifying benefits are due a set of one-off, tax-free seasonal payments (and bill credits) designed to help with winter costs.
Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to what’s coming, who gets it, and how it’s paid.
What’s arriving in December?
1) £10 DWP Christmas Bonus
A traditional one-off payment of £10 is paid automatically in the first full week of December to people who receive certain benefits, including State Pension, PIP, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Pension Credit, and others.
It shows on statements as “DWP XB.” You only get one £10 payment even if you receive multiple qualifying benefits; couples who both qualify each get £10. No application is needed.
2) Winter Fuel Payment (England & Wales)
Most eligible pensioners (generally born before 22 September 1959) are scheduled to receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically in November or December 2025.
The amount depends on age and household circumstances and is typically £200–£300 per winter.
For higher-income recipients (over £35,000 taxable income), the payment may be recovered via the tax code or Self Assessment, but it is still paid up front automatically.
3) Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland)
In Scotland the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces the Winter Fuel Payment and is paid by Social Security Scotland, not DWP.
Payments start from November and continue into winter, landing in the same account as your pension/benefit.
Amounts for winter 2025/26 depend on age and household: guidance indicates £203.40 or £305.10 for many households, with some communications noting a broader range based on circumstances. Letters confirm the amount before payment.
4) Warm Home Discount (£150 bill credit)
If eligible, a one-off £150 discount is applied to your electricity bill between November 2025 and 31 March 2026 (most customers see it by January).
This is not cash in your bank; it’s a credit from your supplier.
5) Cold Weather Payments (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
From 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2026, eligible households get £25 for each 7-day period where the average temperature in their area is 0 °C or below (recorded or forecast).
Payments are automatic and usually arrive within 14 working days of a trigger. Scotland runs a different scheme.
At-a-Glance- One-Off Winter Payments Due Next Month (Dec 2025)
| Payment / Support | Typical Amount | Who Can Get It | How It’s Paid | December Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Bonus | £10 | People on qualifying benefits (incl. State Pension, PIP) | Automatic to usual account (shows as “DWP XB”) | First full week of Dec |
| Winter Fuel Payment (E&W) | £200–£300 | Born before 22 Sept 1959 and meet residency rules | Automatic; letter in Oct/Nov; may be recovered via tax if income > £35k | Most paid Nov–Dec |
| Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland) | £203.40 or £305.10 for many | Pension-age residents in Scotland meeting qualifying weeks | Automatic via Social Security Scotland | From Nov into winter |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 bill credit | Eligible low-income and certain pensioner households | Applied to bill by supplier | Credit lands Nov–Jan (latest by 31 Mar) |
| Cold Weather Payment (E/W/NI) | £25 per cold week | Certain benefits when temps hit thresholds | Automatic after each trigger | If a trigger occurs in Dec |
Key eligibility and “what to do” tips
- If you already receive the qualifying benefit, you do not need to apply for the Christmas Bonus or Winter Fuel Payment/PAWHP—the payments are automatic.
- For the Warm Home Discount, keep an eye out for the official letter (late October to early January). If you believe you’re eligible and didn’t receive one, contact your electricity supplier or support line.
- Cold Weather Payments only arrive if the temperature trigger occurs in your area; there’s no separate application needed.
Next month—December 2025—brings a cluster of one-off winter supports that many benefit claimants will see: the £10 Christmas Bonus, the Winter Fuel Payment/Scottish PAWHP, possible Cold Weather Payments, and the Warm Home Discount bill credit.
Because most of these are automatic, all you need to do is check your usual bank account or benefit statement and watch for any official letters confirming your payment.
These payments are designed to support you with winter energy and household costs at a time when budgets are tighter.
FAQs
I’m on PIP—do I get anything in December automatically?
Yes. If you receive PIP during the qualifying week (normally the first full week of December), you should get the £10 Christmas Bonus automatically. Depending on your age and location, you may also be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment (England & Wales) or the PAWHP (Scotland).
Will the Winter Fuel Payment reduce my other benefits?
No. It is paid separately and does not affect your entitlement to other benefits. However, if your taxable income exceeds £35,000 (England & Wales), HM Revenue & Customs may recover the payment through your tax code or Self Assessment.
I live in Scotland—why is my payment different from friends in England?
Scotland now pays the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead of the DWP Winter Fuel Payment. It is administered by Social Security Scotland, with amounts and letters set by their scheme.
