The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to deliver a festive financial boost to millions across the country, issuing its annual £10 Christmas Bonus to those on qualifying benefits.
Who Qualifies for the DWP Christmas Bonus?
To receive the one-off, tax-free payment, individuals must be receiving at least one of a specified list of benefits during what is known as the 'qualifying week'. This is typically the first full week of December. Furthermore, you must have been present or 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during that same week.
The payment is designed to be automatic, so you should not need to make a claim. It will be deposited directly into the account where your usual benefits or pension are paid, potentially appearing on statements as 'DWP XB'.
Full List of Qualifying Benefits
The range of benefits that make someone eligible for the £10 bonus is extensive. If you are receiving any of the following, you should expect the payment:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit (the guarantee element)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult Disability Payment / Child Disability Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance / Carer Support Payment
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after the initial 13-week assessment phase)
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Mobility Supplement
- Constant Attendance Allowance, Unemployability Supplement, or Industrial Death Benefit (under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension age or War Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, or Widow’s Pension
Important note: If you have deferred your State Pension and are not on another qualifying benefit, you will not be eligible for the bonus.
What Happens If the Payment Doesn't Arrive?
The DWP states that the Christmas Bonus should be paid automatically before Christmas. However, if you believe you meet all the criteria but have not seen the £10 credit in your account by January 1, you will need to take action.
In this case, you should contact the office that handles your primary benefits. This could be your local Jobcentre Plus office or the Pension Service. Full contact details can be found on the official GOV.UK website.
Rules for Couples and Partners
The rules for couples are clear: both eligible partners will each receive the £10 bonus. This applies to married couples, civil partners, and those living together as if they are.
There is also a provision for partners who do not themselves receive a qualifying benefit. They may still get the bonus if both individuals are over State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week, were resident in the UK or a specified European area, and one of the following applies: the eligible partner is entitled to an increase in their benefit for their partner, or the only qualifying benefit received is Pension Credit.
This small but symbolic payment is tax-free and does not affect the amount of any other benefits you receive, providing a little extra support during the holiday season for those who rely on state support.
