UPDATE: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just announced that eligible benefit claimants will receive a one-off £10 Christmas Bonus within weeks, sparking relief for many as the holiday season approaches. This tax-free payment will be distributed automatically to those who qualify, with the qualifying week set for the first full week of December.
This unexpected boost comes at a crucial time, just ahead of Christmas, impacting scores of recipients across the UK. The DWP has confirmed that anyone receiving one of the eligible benefits during the qualifying week will automatically receive the bonus—no additional claims are necessary. For many, this extra cash can provide essential support during the festive season.
The bonus will appear on bank statements as ‘DWP XB’, ensuring recipients can easily identify the payment. To qualify, individuals must be present or ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the qualifying week.
The list of 24 benefits eligible for the Christmas Bonus is extensive. Recipients include those on:
– Adult Disability Payment
– Armed Forces Independence Payment
– Attendance Allowance
– Carer’s Allowance
– Child Disability Payment
– Disability Living Allowance
– State Pension
– Pension Credit
Critics have highlighted that the £10 bonus amount has remained unchanged for decades, raising concerns about its adequacy in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. However, many are still grateful for the extra support it provides, especially as recent reports indicate that State Pensioners with specific health conditions could be entitled to over £5,700 in additional aid from the DWP.
If eligible recipients do not receive the Christmas Bonus by January 1, the DWP advises them to contact their local Jobcentre Plus office or the Pension Service for assistance. Notably, both partners in a couple receiving qualifying benefits will each receive the bonus, amplifying the support for households during this period.
As the holiday season approaches, this timely announcement from the DWP is expected to bring much-needed relief to thousands of families across the nation. With the growing economic pressures faced by many, the Christmas Bonus offers a small but significant lifeline in a time of need.
Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available regarding the distribution of these funds and any additional support measures from the DWP.
