The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is preparing to issue its annual Christmas Bonus, a one-off payment designed to provide a small financial boost to help with seasonal expenses.
Who Qualifies for the £10 DWP Christmas Bonus?
Eligibility for the £10 Christmas Bonus is not universal. It depends entirely on whether you are receiving a qualifying state benefit during a specific period known as the 'qualifying week'. This week is typically the first full week of December.
You do not need to apply for the payment; it is sent out automatically to those who meet the criteria. To receive it, you must also be living in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during that qualifying week.
It is crucial to note that claiming Universal Credit does not automatically entitle you to the bonus. Similarly, if you have deferred your State Pension and do not receive another qualifying benefit, you will not be eligible.
Full List of Qualifying Benefits
The range of benefits that can make you eligible for the Christmas Bonus is extensive. The list includes, but is not limited to:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit (guarantee element)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult Disability Payment / Child Disability Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance / Carer Support Payment
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after the initial 13-week assessment phase)
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes (e.g., Constant Attendance Allowance, War Widow's Pension)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Mobility Supplement
When Will the Payment Arrive and How to Spot It?
The DWP does not announce a single, fixed payment date. However, recipients can generally expect the £10 bonus to land in their bank accounts in early December.
When the payment is made, it will be clearly identifiable on your bank statement. Look for the transaction reference 'XB' or 'DWP XB' in the details.
For couples, the rules are straightforward. If both partners in a marriage or civil partnership receive a qualifying benefit, each will get the £10 payment. Furthermore, if only one receives a benefit but both are over State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week, the non-recipient may still qualify for the bonus.
This longstanding scheme offers a modest but welcome contribution to household budgets during an expensive time of year, providing targeted support to those on specific state benefits.
