The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that a special one-off Christmas Bonus payment will be credited to the bank accounts of people receiving certain disability benefits in the coming weeks. This extra £10 payment is designed to provide some additional financial support during the festive season.
Eligible claimants include those receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance, as well as pensioners on qualifying benefits. Payments are expected to be made automatically during the first full week of December, so no application is necessary.
However, recipients of Universal Credit without other qualifying benefits will not receive this bonus. Despite its goodwill intent, the Christmas Bonus has faced criticism due to its modest value of £10, which has lost purchasing power over time with rising living costs. Calls to increase the payment amount have been repeatedly declined by the government.
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The DWP states: “The Christmas Bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas, paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week. This is normally the first full week of December. You do not need to claim - you should get paid automatically.”