The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed that a special one-off payment will reach the bank accounts of people claiming specific disability benefits in the coming weeks.
Who qualifies for the extra payment?
This annual payment, known as the Christmas Bonus, is a tax-free £10 sum designed to provide a small financial boost during the festive period. The DWP has outlined that eligibility for this year's payment includes claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance. Many pensioners will also qualify.
However, it is crucial to note a significant exclusion: individuals who only receive Universal Credit and no other qualifying benefits will not be eligible for this bonus. The payment is scheduled to be automatically made during December, specifically in the first full week of the month, ensuring it arrives in time for Christmas. Claimants do not need to apply for it.
Criticism of the £10 amount
The bonus has faced substantial criticism for its perceived inadequacy. At £10, many argue the payment is essentially worthless, having drastically decreased in real value over the years as the cost of living has soared.
Despite repeated calls from campaigners and beneficiaries to increase the amount, successive governments have resisted doing so. The payment has remained at the same level for many years, failing to keep pace with inflation and rising prices for essential goods and services.
What happens next?
For those who are eligible, the process is straightforward. The £10 Christmas Bonus will be paid directly into the same bank account where you normally receive your benefits. The DWP emphasises that you do not need to make a claim; the payment should appear automatically if you are in the qualifying group.
While the extra cash is welcomed by some, the ongoing debate about its value highlights broader concerns about the support provided to people with disabilities and pensioners in the UK, especially during the more expensive winter months.
