DWP sending bonus payment on top of benefits but six million people 'exempt'

The Department for Work and Pensions is preparing to roll out £10 payments in the form of a Christmas bonus. The DWP says over 22 million individuals across the UK are claiming at least one benefit from the benefits department.

The 'Christmas Bonus' is a one-off, tax-free payment of £10 made to people in receipt of State Pension or those claiming certain other benefits including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance.

But only if they meet the eligibility criteria during a specific qualifying period, typically the first full week in December. While 23 benefits are now eligible for the £10 payment, 5.7 million people who are claiming Universal Credit do not qualify.

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There is no need to apply for the extra £10 as it should automatically go into the account where you usually receive your benefit payment or State Pension. It will appear as 'DWP XB' on bank statements and online accounts.

To qualify for the Christmas Bonus you must be present or 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, Gibraltar, during the qualifying week, which this year is expected to be December 2 - 8, 2024. The DWP will write to eligible claimants advising them that they will be receiving the £10 bonus in December, but this sometimes arrives after the payment has been made.

According to the latest DWP guidance on GOV. UK, not everyone of State Pension age will be eligible for the Christmas Bonus payment, either. It states: "If you have not claimed your State Pension and are not entitled to one of the other qualifying benefits you will not get a Christmas Bonus."

Remember, though, you do not need to claim the Christmas Bonus - you should get it automatically. Find out more about the Christmas Bonus on GOV.UK here.