The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it is distributing £10 Christmas bonus payments to millions of benefit claimants this December. This yearly one-off payment is part of the Christmas Bonus scheme, designed to provide a small financial boost during the festive season.
Eligible recipients typically include those receiving benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and the state pension. Claimants have already begun reporting the bonus appearing in their bank accounts.
To qualify, individuals usually must be receiving one of the qualifying benefits during the designated qualifying week, which generally falls in the first full week of December.
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A DWP spokesperson explained, “The Christmas bonus is a long-standing annual payment, introduced in 1972, to pensioners and working-age people receiving certain qualifying benefits during the relevant week.”
The spokesperson also noted that, as part of their broader “Plan for Change,” the department is focusing on improving living standards by helping people access work, skills, and opportunities, aiming to reduce poverty.
Payments will be made throughout December and will be deposited into the same bank account used for benefit payments. On bank statements, the bonus may appear as ‘DWP XB.’
If eligible claimants do not receive the payment by January 1, they are advised to contact their local Jobcentre Plus office or the Pension Service for assistance.