DWP paying people who claim any of these 22 benefits free 'bonus'

The DWP will pay benefit claimants a handy £10 boost this winter as we head into the Christmas season and the festive period.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced a winter bonus payment for people on a string of benefits. The DWP will pay benefit claimants a handy £10 boost this winter as we head into the Christmas season and the festive period.

The DWP Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment made before December 25. It was first introduced back in the 1970s but controversially has not been increased ever since - meaning people are facing a frozen payment despite inflationary pressures and the Cost of Living crisis.

To qualify, you need to live in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week, or to show that you are ordinarily resident there. And the list of benefits which qualify you and make you eligible include 22 benefits.

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It includes Adult Disability Payment and Armed Forces Independence Payment as well as Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Carer Support Payment, Child Disability Payment and 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 and Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers) are also listed.

Other qualifying criteria includes Mobility Supplement, Pension Credit - the guarantee element, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit), Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected) and 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 and Widow’s Pension completed the list. The money should go into your usual account, and might show up as ‘DWP XB’ on your statement.

If the money hasn’t come through by January 1, you must contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or the Pension Service if you’re over state retirement age.