A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bonus payment is being offered to millions of Universal Credit and other benefit claimants. This is in addition to the cost of living payments, as those hit hardest by soaring inflation receive some extra much-needed support.
Following an earlier payment of £326 as part of the government's cost of living support package, the second cost of living instalment will see people receive £324 next month, the Echo reports. On top of this, many are due to be handed a Christmas bonus, which will go out to people who claim Universal Credit and other benefits.
The financial package should arrive to those eligible in December. It should be received automatically, meaning nothing needs to be done to claim it for those who qualify for it.
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What is the Christmas bonus payment and how much is it?
This one-off Christmas bonus is a tax-free payment of £10 made before Christmas. This is paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week - normally the first full week of December.
The money will not impact other benefits, and will be paid into the same account people receive their benefits, pensions or allowances. On bank statements, it may show up as 'DWP XB'.
Who is eligible for the Christmas bonus?
To receive the winter bonus, you must be present or "ordinarily resident" in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week. In the week the bonus is normally delivered (usually the first full week of December), you must also get at least one of the following benefits:
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Adult Disability Payment
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Armed Forces Independence Payment
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Attendance Allowance
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Carer’s Allowance
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Child Disability Payment
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Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
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Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
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Disability Living Allowance
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Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
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Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
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Mobility Supplement
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Pension Credit - the guarantee element
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
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Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
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Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
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War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
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War Widow’s Pension
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Widowed Mother’s Allowance
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Widowed Parent’s Allowance
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Widow’s Pension
If you believe you are eligible but don’t receive the Christmas bonus, you can contact the Jobcentre Plus office - who deal with your payments - or the Pension Service.
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