Millions of people across the UK are set to receive a welcome financial boost this December, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) begins issuing its annual Christmas Bonus.
Who Qualifies for the £10 Payment?
The one-off, tax-free payment of £10 is designed to offer a small helping hand during the costly festive season. It is paid automatically to individuals who receive certain qualifying benefits during what is known as the 'qualifying week'.
This window is typically the first full week of December, meaning payments should be arriving in bank accounts throughout the month, and certainly before Christmas Day. Eligible recipients do not need to apply for the bonus; it should be paid directly into the account where they normally receive their benefits.
Eligible Benefits and Important Exclusions
The payment targets vulnerable groups, including state pensioners and those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Benefits that qualify a person for the Christmas Bonus include:
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
However, there is a key exclusion. The Government has confirmed that people who only receive Universal Credit and no other qualifying benefits will not be eligible for the £10 bonus this year.
Check Your Bank Account Now
With payments being processed now, households are being reminded to check their accounts with major providers like Nationwide, Lloyds, and NatWest. The DWP states the payment will be made separately from a person's regular benefit amount.
This annual payment is a longstanding measure, but it takes on added significance during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures. While £10 may seem a modest sum, for many on fixed or low incomes, it provides a small but meaningful contribution towards festive costs.
The Government's advice is clear: if you believe you should qualify but have not received the payment by late December, you should contact the office that handles your primary benefit.
