As we approach Christmas and the end of 2025, while the focus may be on family, food and presents, some people might not be aware of one-off payments being issued to help with the increased costs of winter.

Energy bills tend to rise during this period, particularly during the festive fortnight when people spend more time at home and children are off school for the holidays.

There are still payments set to be deposited into bank accounts this month. The Winter Fuel Payment is due to arrive this month, while the £10 Christmas Bonus from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expected before January 1.

These payments are automatically issued, with only a very small number of people needing to make a claim.

Below is a summary of all the payments being issued which you can use as a checklist, reports the Daily Record.

Winter Fuel Payment – £100 to £300 annual payment

This scheme is intended to assist Brits on a low income or benefits who may have additional heating requirements during the winter. Payments typically range from £100 to £300 depending on age and living situation. Most payments are issued in November or December 2025. If your income exceeds £35,000, the payment will be automatically reclaimed through the tax system

DWP Christmas Bonus – £10 payment

The DWP Christmas Bonus is a one-time, tax-free £10 payment given to those receiving the State Pension or certain other benefits during the qualifying week – typically the first full week of December (1-7).

There’s no need to apply for the extra £10 as it should automatically be 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 might arrive on a different day. Payments are due by 1 January 2026.

Benefits for the Christmas Bonus

• Adult Disability Payment
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Carer Support Payment
• Child Disability Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
• Disability Living Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
• Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
• Mobility Supplement
• Pension Credit – the guarantee element
• Pension Age Disability Payment
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)
• State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
• Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
• Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
• War Widow’s Pension
• Widowed Mother’s Allowance
• Widowed Parent’s Allowance
• Widow’s Pension

Find out more about the Christmas Bonus here.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement – £293.50 paid twice a year

This is an automatic payment of £293.50, distributed twice a year to people who receive Carer’s Allowance from the DWP on specific dates each year. Payments were made between 4th and 15th December.