Thousands of people across Edinburgh that obtain government benefits will get a tax-free bonus of ten pounds this Christmas, with the money hitting bank accounts from Monday next week.
According to the Mirror, the bonus is usually given to those who have received some form of financial aid in the first full week of December, and will not affect any further benefits people receive.
As much as it is only £10, many people who budget small during the festive season will appreciate the extra money in their pocket.
Any form of benefit, pension fund or allowance usually goes into the account that the person has provided, such as a bank account, building society or credit union account.
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that the bonus will appear as 'DWP XB' on bank statements.
To be eligible for the bonus you must have been present or a resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week concerned this year.
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To qualify for this bonus, you will have had to had some benefit paid in your account in the first week of December, as the DWP said this is the important part.
Unfortunately, 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.
Listed below are the benefits you would need to be claiming in the week of December in order 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
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 got it, and think you should have, contact your work coach or your nearest Jobcentre Plus or pension centre.
For more information, check out the DWP website, here.
