The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that eligible residents have just hours to claim their Christmas Bonus payment. The bonus, which is £10, will be automatically transferred to the accounts of those who qualify, without the need for any further action. The qualifying week for this year is December 2, and the payment is usually received by December 25 at the latest. All state pensioners are eligible for the bonus, as well as those claiming certain DWP benefits. Residents who have previously received the bonus can check their bank statements for the code “DWP XB”.
The Christmas Bonus was first introduced in 1972 to help with the additional costs associated with the holiday season. Despite inflation and the rising cost of living, the amount of the bonus has remained unchanged at £10 since its inception. If the payment had risen in line with inflation, it would now be worth £114.95. The bonus is a small but welcome addition to many people’s incomes during the festive period. Eligibility for the Christmas Bonus includes living in certain countries such as the UK, receiving a state pension, or claiming specific benefits like Disability Living Allowance or Pension Credit. Residents who are solely on Universal Credit or not currently claiming the state pension are not eligible for the Christmas Bonus.
Those who are eligible for the payment do not need to make a claim, as the bonus will be automatically paid into the account where pension payments are normally received. Residents should keep an eye on their bank statements in December to ensure they have received the payment, which should show up as “DWP XB”. In the case of couples where one partner claims a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit, both partners may be eligible for the bonus. The payment will be made in one account and will total £20, with one partner entitled to an increase in their qualifying benefit.
Residents can use benefits calculators such as those provided by Turn2Us, Entitledto, MoneySavingExpert.com, and Policy in Practice to check if they are missing out on any benefits they may be entitled to. These calculators can help determine eligibility for various benefits, tax credits, and Universal Credit. While the exact entitlement will only be clear when a claim is made, the calculators can provide an indication of what benefits residents may be eligible for. Overall, residents who qualify for the Department for Work and Pensions Christmas Bonus should receive the payment by December 25, providing some additional financial support during the holiday season.
