The UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to provide its annual Christmas Bonus to eligible benefit claimants, offering a modest financial boost ahead of the festive season.
What is the DWP Christmas Bonus?
The Christmas Bonus is a one-off payment of £10 provided to individuals receiving certain benefits. Introduced in the 1970s, this extra payment is intended to offer a small financial cushion during the holiday period.
The payment is automatic, requiring no application, and is expected to be made in early December. Claimants should see it appear in their bank statements under the code “DWP XB.”
If the payment has not been received by the end of December, the DWP advises contacting them from January 1.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the bonus, individuals must be ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the first full week of December, the designated qualifying week. Additionally, recipients must be receiving at least one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit (guarantee element)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Adult or Child Disability Payments
- War Widow’s Pension
- Unemployability Supplement (under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Constant Attendance Allowance (under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after 13 weeks of the main phase)
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
- Industrial Death Benefit
- Mobility Supplement
- Widow’s Pension or Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Other related pensions and allowances
Additional Considerations
- Couples who are married, in a civil partnership, or cohabitate will each receive the bonus if both are eligible for qualifying benefits.
- Individuals who have not claimed their State Pension and are not receiving another qualifying benefit will not receive the bonus.
Controversy over the bonus amount
Although the £10 payment has been a festive tradition for decades, it has drawn criticism for its failure to keep up with inflation. Since its introduction, claimants argue that the bonus has lost much of its value, with some suggesting it would be over £100 today if adjusted for inflation. Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, many view the current amount as inadequate.
How to ensure you receive the payment
The DWP automatically processes the bonus, so eligible individuals do not need to apply. However, if the payment does not appear by late December, recipients should check their eligibility and contact the DWP from the start of January.
Why can’t the hard working people on minimum wage get help. Most people on benefits get more money than those who work
I’d be interested to know what we should spend the £10 on?For an elderly,disabled,cancer sufferer,virtually housebound,perhaps a couple of supermarket ready meals?