Key money dates for December 2025

December is usually the most expensive month of the year. With colder weather, higher energy bills and the cost of Christmas, it’s more important than ever to know about upcoming changes that could affect your budget.

Here are the key money dates and payments to look out for this December.

1 December onwards

Every December, the department for work and pensions (DWP) pays a £10 Christmas bonus to people receiving certain benefits.

• It usually arrives in your bank account in the first week of December, but it can be paid any time before 1 January.
• On your statement, it will normally appear as ‘DWP XB’.
• You don’t need to apply, as it’s paid automatically.
• If you think you should have received it but haven’t, contact the benefits office.

It’s a small amount, but every little helps at an expensive time of year. This is also one of the easiest payments to miss because it’s small and arrives without warning.

1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026 - Cold Weather Payments

This scheme runs throughout winter, not just December. Cold Weather Payments are issued whenever your local temperature is 0°C or below for seven days in a row. Each qualifying cold spell gives eligible households £25.

You might qualify for the Cold Weather Payment if you receive certain benefits, including:

• pension credit
• income support
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
• income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• universal credit
• support for mortgage interest

You might also be eligible if you have a severe disability premium, a child under five, or a child with a disability.

Payments are made automatically. If one is missing, contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus.

Paid by 31 March 2026 - Warm Home Discount

This is another winter support scheme. The Warm Home Discount gives £150 off your energy bill, taken directly from your energy account rather than paid to you.

You may be eligible for a £150 one-off discount if you’re named on the bill and receive one of the following means-tested benefits:

• universal credit
• pension credit (guarantee credit and savings credit)
• income support
• housing benefit
• income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) 

If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter between November and January.

Not all energy suppliers participate, so check with your provider.

17 December – latest inflation figures released

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) report is released on 17 December. It tracks price changes in everyday items to show how the cost of living is rising.

Inflation shapes future interest rate decisions, which in turn affect:

• mortgages
• credit cards
• personal loan rates
• savings interest

If you’re borrowing or budgeting, this is an important update.

18 December – Bank of England base rate decision

The next Bank of England base rate decision is announced on 18 December.

This decision influences how expensive borrowing becomes. A rise usually increases:

• mortgage repayments
• loan costs
• credit card interest

It also affects savings rates, so it’s one worth watching.

31 December - bus fare cap ends

The £3 single bus fare cap in England ends on 31 December.