Millions of Britons receiving disability and income-related benefits are set to receive a welcome financial boost this festive season with the Department for Work and Pensions' annual Christmas Bonus payment.
The tax-free £10 payment, which serves as a small but significant gesture of support during the expensive winter months, is automatically paid to eligible claimants in early December.
Who Qualifies for the DWP Christmas Bonus?
To receive the £10 payment, you must be present or 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, or a European Economic Area (EEA) country during the qualifying week, which is typically the first full week of December.
You must also be receiving at least one of the following qualifying benefits during that week:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Pension Credit
- State Pension
- War Widow's Pension
- Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
- Child Disability Payment (in Scotland)
Important Exclusions and Payment Details
Not all benefit recipients will qualify for the bonus. Those claiming Universal Credit without also receiving one of the qualifying benefits listed above are not eligible for the additional payment.
The bonus does not affect any other benefits you receive and will be paid separately, usually into the same bank account where you normally receive your benefit payments.
For couples where both partners qualify, each will receive their own £10 payment, providing a £20 boost to household finances.
When Will the Christmas Bonus Be Paid?
While the DWP has not announced the exact payment date for 2024, based on previous years, eligible claimants can expect to receive the bonus in early December. The payment should arrive automatically without the need to make a separate claim.
This small but timely payment comes as many households face increased financial pressure during the winter months, providing a little extra support during the costly festive season.
