The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to provide a welcome financial boost for millions of households across the UK, with a special one-off payment scheduled for the festive period.
What is the DWP Christmas Bonus?
In a move designed to offer a small measure of support during the expensive winter season, the DWP will issue an automatic £10 Christmas Bonus to individuals claiming specific benefits. This payment is not means-tested and does not require an application, as it will be paid directly into the bank accounts of those who qualify.
The payment is expected to land in accounts during early December, ensuring the extra cash is available in the lead-up to Christmas. The DWP has confirmed that the payment will be processed automatically, so eligible claimants do not need to take any action.
Who is eligible for the payment?
To receive the £10 bonus, you must be present or ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Switzerland, or a European Economic Area country during the qualifying week. Crucially, you must also be receiving one of the following qualifying benefits in the 'qualifying week', which is typically the first full week of December:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Disability Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after the first 13 weeks)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- and other listed benefits such as War Widow’s Pension or Industrial Death Benefit.
Important details for couples and what to do if you don't get paid
The rules for couples are specific. If you are in a married couple, civil partnership, or are cohabiting, and you both claim a qualifying benefit, you will each receive the £10 payment individually.
Furthermore, if one partner does not receive a qualifying benefit, they may still be eligible for the Christmas Bonus provided both partners are over the State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week and the other conditions of presence are met. In this case, the partner must be receiving Pension Credit or be entitled to an increase in a qualifying benefit for their partner.
The DWP advises that all payments should be completed by the end of December. If you believe you are eligible but have not received your payment by this time, you are encouraged to contact the DWP from January 1 onwards to enquire.
This small but significant payment represents a longstanding government initiative to provide a bit of extra support to those on benefits during the Christmas season, acknowledging the additional financial pressures that can arise at this time of year.
