Millions of households across the United Kingdom are set to receive a small financial boost from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the run-up to the festive season.
What is the DWP Christmas Bonus?
The payment, known officially as the Christmas Bonus, is a one-off, tax-free sum of £10. It is designed to provide a modest helping hand to cover some of the additional costs that arise during the expensive Christmas period. The money will be paid automatically into the bank accounts of eligible recipients, with no need to make a claim.
The qualifying week for the bonus is typically the first full week of December, with payments landing in accounts shortly afterwards, ensuring the funds are received before Christmas Day.
Who Qualifies for the Extra £10 Payment?
Eligibility for the Christmas Bonus is linked to receiving certain state benefits during the specified qualifying week. It is important to note that households receiving Universal Credit and no other qualifying benefits are not eligible for this particular payment.
The government has published a comprehensive list of benefits that trigger eligibility for the £10 bonus. If you receive any of the following during the qualifying week, you should expect the payment:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit (the guarantee element)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Carer Support Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after the first 13 weeks of claim)
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)
- 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
Automatic Payment and What It Means for Recipients
The key feature of the Christmas Bonus is its automatic nature. The DWP has confirmed that you do not need to apply for the £10. If you are receiving a qualifying benefit in the correct week, the payment should arrive in your account without any action on your part.
While £10 is a relatively small amount, for many pensioners and individuals on long-term benefits, it represents a welcome gesture. It can contribute towards festive groceries, heating costs during the colder days, or a small holiday treat. The payment serves as a recognised, if modest, form of additional support during a time of year when household budgets are often stretched.
Recipients are advised to keep an eye on their bank statements in the coming weeks. If you believe you should qualify but do not see the payment, it may be worth contacting the DWP or the office that handles your primary benefit to confirm your eligibility status for the qualifying period.
