Millions of people across the UK are set to receive an extra payment from the Department for Work and Pensions next month, thanks to a rule established over fifty years ago.
The £10 Christmas Bonus will be automatically paid to those claiming 24 different benefits who meet specific eligibility criteria during the first week of December.
What is the Christmas Bonus and who qualifies?
This annual payment was first introduced by former Prime Minister Ted Heath in 1972 and has continued every year since. To qualify for the payment, you must be present or considered 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the first full week of December, which runs from December 1 to 7 this year.
Eligible recipients do not need to make a claim for the bonus - it should arrive automatically in the same account where you receive your regular benefit payments. The payment may appear on bank statements as 'DWP XB'.
Payment details and important considerations
While there's no single payment date for everyone, the DWP aims to ensure all eligible people receive their £10 before Christmas. The timing may vary depending on which benefits you receive.
It's important to note that the bonus will not affect your regular benefit payments, and certain benefits - including Universal Credit - do not qualify for the payment.
If you believe you should receive the Christmas Bonus but haven't by the expected time, you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus office, which can be found via Gov.uk.
Growing criticism over the payment amount
The £10 amount has remained unchanged since 1972, despite significant inflation over the past five decades. This has drawn increasing criticism from benefits claimants and campaigners who argue the payment fails to provide meaningful support.
One petition on the Parliamentary website calls for the amount to be doubled to £20, while another points out that accounting for inflation, the bonus should now be worth approximately £130.
Despite the criticism, the payment continues under its original terms, providing a small but welcome extra amount for millions of benefit recipients during the festive season.
