Payment dates for the State Pension and Christmas Bonus in Winter 2024

When to expect this year’s Christmas payments for State Pension recipients 

Written in line with our editorial policy.

December brings adjusted payment dates for some receiving the State Pension. Here’s a guide to when you can expect your December State Pension payment and the pension Christmas Bonus. 

We also look at payment dates for the Winter Fuel Payment, although fewer people will qualify for this than in previous years.

When will the pension payment closest to Christmas arrive?

UK State Pension recipients generally receive their December payment ahead of Christmas. That is true even for people who would normally see their pension in their bank account after the 25th of the month.

Typically, the DWP schedules the December payment for the ‘last banking day’ before 25 December to prevent conflicts with the Christmas and Boxing Day bank holidays. The reason for this is that benefit payments aren’t usually issued on bank holidays, as banks and government offices have limited staffing on these dates.

When will this year’s Christmas Bonus be paid?

There is good news and not-so-good news for State Pension recipients. The good news is that generally, if you receive a State Pension, you are eligible for bonus payment at Christmas. The not-so-good news is that the payment is just £10 – but it is tax-free.

Those eligible will be paid their Christmas Bonus during the first full week of December. They will be paid automatically, so there’s no need to put in a claim for it.

When will the Winter Fuel Payment be paid?

Some State Pension recipients may also qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, a one-time annual payment. 

Before we get into the details, we should mention that arrangements differ in Scotland. Here, instead of the Winter Fuel Payment, a Winter Heating Payment of £58.75 will be issued in December to those who qualify for certain benefits. Please see the Scottish government’s Winter Heating Payment page for more information.

In the rest of the UK, eligible people will receive the Winter Fuel Payment in November or December. The government is notifying people individually by mail to confirm their payment amount, which ranges from £200 to £300 based on date of birth and individual circumstances. If you haven’t received a letter or the payment by 29 January 2025, the government advises contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

Until this year, most residents of England, Wales and Northern Ireland born before 23 September 1958 received the Winter Fuel Payment. However, from this year, only those within this age group who receive specific means-tested benefits—such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Income Support—will qualify. Please see the government’s Winter Fuel Payment page for more information.

About Richard Groom. A writer with 20+ years’ experience across several sectors including financial services, Richard has a passion for writing clear and simple content on even the most complex of subjects. In his spare time, Richard loves exploring the hills and mountains of the UK on long walks with his faithful cocker spaniel. Follow Richard on LinkedIn