Two major DWP benefits expected to land before the New Year – see if you’re eligible

Some people need to claim although most payments are issued automatically

As 2025 quickly draws to a close, parties and celebrations might be on your mind. However, you may not be aware that certain benefits are also currently being issued to support the higher cost of living during the colder months.

There are still two major payments generally expected to land in bank accounts before New Year’s Day. The Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300, is usually issued in November or December, while the £10 Christmas Bonus is also due before January 1.

It’s crucial to note that these payments are issued automatically, and only a very small number of people may need to claim. However, if you’re unsure of your eligibility, below is an overall summary of what is scheduled to be deposited.

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free benefit designed to assist older people with their heating costs during colder months. Most payments are automatically issued in November or December. If you haven’t received yours by January 28, 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

People born before September 22, 1959, and currently living in England or Wales, qualify for the annual payment. The payment amount depends on your circumstances during the ‘qualifying week’ from September 15 to 21, 2025.

This can differ based on other benefits you receive, such as Pension Credit, Income Support, and several others. However, generally, if you live alone or no one else you live with qualifies for the payment, you might be eligible for one of the following:

• £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

Meanwhile, if you and a partner jointly claim Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support, you might get:

• £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945

Official advice from GOV.UK adds: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible. If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

“The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 and 21 September 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.”

Northern Ireland also offers its own Winter Fuel Payment with the same eligibility rules, but applicants will need to refer to NI Direct for further instructions. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP).

More information for England and Wales can be found here.

Christmas Bonus

The DWP Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment made to people receiving State Pension or certain other benefits during the qualifying week in December (1-7).

According to the Daily Record, there’s no need to apply for the extra £10, as it should be automatically deposited into the account where you usually receive your State Pension or benefit payment. It’s made as a separate payment, independent of your scheduled State Pension or benefit payment, so it may arrive on a different day.

Most payments were issued by December 24 and will continue until December 31. If you haven’t received the Christmas Bonus by January 1, the DWP recommends reaching out to either the Pension Service or your local Jobcentre Plus office, depending on who manages your payments.

This year, it’s understood that anyone claiming 24 benefits during the qualifying week may be entitled to the Christmas Bonus. Claimants must also be either present or ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the qualifying week.

According to the DWP, the 24 benefits included in this are:

1. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
2. War Widow’s Pension
3. Carer’s Allowance
4. Child Disability Payment
5. Widowed Mother’s Allowance
6. War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
7. Adult Disability Payment
8. Disability Living Allowance
9. Armed Forces Independence Payment
10. Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
11. Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)
12. Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
13. Carer Support Payment
14. Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
15. Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
16. Pension Credit – the guarantee element
17. Pension Age Disability Payment
18. Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
19. Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
20. Widow’s Pension
21. State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
22. Attendance Allowance
23. Mobility Supplement
24. Widowed Parent’s Allowance

For more information, you can also visit GOV.UK here.