The Department for Work and Pensions will be providing a festive bonus to eligible families this week. The tax-free £10 payment should be automatically transferred to qualifying individuals. However, it is important to check bank statements for the code "DWP XB" to confirm receipt of the bonus. Officials have confirmed that the payment does not need to be repaid and will not affect other benefits.
Who is Eligible for the Christmas Bonus?
To receive the £10 bonus, individuals must be present or ordinarily resident in Britain, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar between tomorrow and next Sunday. Additionally, households must be claiming at least one of the 20 qualifying benefits during the same period. While the bonus is not available to those receiving Universal Credit only, individuals on Universal Credit who also receive one of the qualifying benefits will be eligible for the payment.
To determine eligibility, check if you are receiving any of the following DWP benefits:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Disability Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit – the guarantee element
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
- War Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
If you believe you qualify but have not received the payment automatically, contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Pension Centre for assistance.
Additional Benefits for Universal Credit Recipients
In addition to the Christmas bonus, individuals on Universal Credit may also be eligible for other financial assistance. The Warm Home Discount offers a £150 discount on energy bills, automatically applied by electricity suppliers for eligible participants. Those born on or before September 25, 1957, could receive a Winter Fuel payment of up to £600.
Furthermore, it has been highlighted that thousands of low-income individuals are missing out on Pension Credit, which could provide an annual benefit of £3,500. To be eligible for Pension Credit, individuals must live in England, Scotland, or Wales and have reached state pension age. Pension Credit also grants access to additional perks, such as a free TV licence for those over 75, worth £159 per year.
For a comprehensive list of benefits available, visit the provided link.
