Those eligible for a Christmas bonus from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have begun receiving their money today (December 6).
People who claim specific benefits from the government are due an additional tax-free sum to help cover the costs of Christmas.
The payment, which is £10, is usually transferred to those who are in receipt of financial aid during the first week of December, as reported by The Mirror.
READ MORE - Morrisons customers share tips on how to save hundreds with shopping hacks
If you claim at least one benefit, you may be eligible to receive the sum - which will not impact any other benefits you get.
Though it is only a small amount, an extra £10 may be much-needed for those on a tight budget this Christmas season.
Benefits, pensions and allowances usually go into an account of a person’s choosing - like a bank account, building society and credit union account.
The DWP has stated that the Christmas payment will likely come up as ‘DWP XB’ on your bank statement.
In order to receive the bonus, you must have been present or a resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week - the first full week of December.
Sadly this means expats living abroad might not be able to benefit. Those who live in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland are encouraged to contact the government about the matter.
Here is a list of the benefits from which you need to be claiming in the first full week of December to automatically qualify:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- 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
- Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit - the guarantee element
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
- 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
- Widow’s Pension
Couples who both qualify will both get the extra payment.
If your other half doesn't get one of the qualifying benefits, they could still get an extra payment if:
- You're both over State Pension age by the end of the first full week in December
- You're both a resident of the qualifying regions by the end of the first full week in December
- You're entitled to an increase of a qualifying benefit for your partner or civil partner
- The only qualifying benefit you're getting is Pension Credit
If you haven't received the bonus, and think you should have, contact your work coach or your nearest Jobcentre Plus or pension centre.
