This winter, thousands of UK households will receive a £10 Christmas Bonus from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), providing some extra support during the holiday season.
The payment, designed to assist those on certain disability and pension benefits, has been a long-standing tradition. However, while the amount remains at £10—the same since the 1970s—inflation has significantly reduced its value, now equating to over £100 less in real terms.
Despite this decline in purchasing power, the bonus continues to be paid annually, usually during the first full week of December, ahead of Christmas. It is issued automatically to individuals and families who meet specific criteria, eliminating the need for any claims.
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Eligible recipients include those receiving benefits such as the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance, and State Pension. However, Universal Credit claimants receiving that benefit alone do not qualify for the payment.
If you believe you are eligible but have not received the bonus, you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or the Pension Service for guidance.
According to the government, “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.”
When the payment is credited, it will appear on bank statements with references like ‘XB’ or ‘DWP XB.’
To qualify, recipients must be ordinarily resident in the UK, including the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar. Additionally, in light of the Christmas holidays, some DWP payments originally set for Christmas Day or Boxing Day will be paid earlier, usually on Christmas Eve, so claimants should check their payment schedules.