Millions of individuals across the UK who receive support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are set for a welcome financial boost this festive season. A second £10 Christmas bonus payment will be automatically deposited into the bank accounts of eligible claimants.
When and How You Will Be Paid
The free £10 festive cash is scheduled to be delivered during the first full week of December. As December 1 falls on a Monday this year, recipients can expect to see the payment appear in their accounts within the first seven days of the month. The key detail for claimants is that you do not need to apply for this bonus; it will be paid automatically if you meet the criteria.
Who Qualifies for the Christmas Bonus?
Eligibility for the payment is linked to receiving specific benefits during the 'qualifying week', which is typically the first full week of December. To receive the bonus, you must also be present or ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during that same week.
The extensive list of qualifying benefits includes:
- Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance and Constant Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance and Carer Support Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after the first 13 weeks)
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit – the guarantee element
- The State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Various industrial injuries and war pensions
What This Means for Recipients
This annual payment, while modest, provides a small but timely amount of extra financial support during an expensive time of year. For the many households relying on DWP benefits, this automatic payment ensures they receive this support without any additional paperwork or stress. If you believe you qualify but do not see the payment by the end of the first week of December, it is advisable to contact the relevant benefit office.
