The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that it will be distributing a special one-off payment to millions of Britons this December. The £10 Christmas Bonus is designed to provide a small financial boost to those receiving specific state benefits during the festive period.
Who is Eligible for the Payment?
To qualify for the £10 Christmas Bonus, individuals must meet two key conditions. Firstly, they must be present or 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the qualifying week, which is typically the first full week of December.
Secondly, and most importantly, they must be claiming at least one of the 24 benefits listed by the DWP during that same qualifying week. The payment is automatic, so eligible recipients do not need to apply. The sum is tax-free and will not affect your existing benefit claims. It is likely to appear on bank statements as 'DWP XB'.
The Complete List of Qualifying Benefits
The DWP has confirmed that the following 24 benefits make an individual eligible for the automatic £10 payment:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Carer Support Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (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 Age Disability Payment
- Pension Credit - the guarantee element
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- 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
What to Do If You Don't Receive Your Bonus
The government states that payments should be made automatically before Christmas. However, if you believe you meet all the eligibility criteria but have not received your payment by 1 January 2026, you are advised to take action.
You should contact the Jobcentre Plus office that handles your payments or get in touch with the Pension Service to enquire about the missing bonus. It is crucial to act promptly to ensure you receive the payment you are entitled to.
