The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that its annual £10 Christmas Bonus is now being distributed to millions of eligible households across the UK. The one-off payment, a tradition dating back to 1972, is designed to provide a small financial boost during the festive period.
Who Qualifies for the DWP Christmas Bonus?
To receive the payment, you must have been in receipt of a qualifying benefit during what is known as the 'qualifying week'. This is typically the first full week of December. The bonus is paid automatically into the same account where you receive your regular benefit payments and may appear on statements as 'DWP XB'.
The DWP spokesperson stated: "The Christmas bonus is a long-standing annual payment, introduced in 1972, to pensioners and to working-age people who are in receipt of certain qualifying benefits during the relevant week."
Full List of Eligible Benefits
The bonus is not limited to a single benefit. A wide range of DWP and legacy payments qualify. The comprehensive list includes:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit (the guarantee element)
- Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult Disability Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after the initial 13-week assessment phase)
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- War Widow’s Pension or War Disablement Pension
This list also covers equivalent benefits administered in Scotland, such as Child Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment.
Payment Schedule and What to Do If You Miss Out
The DWP has indicated that payments are being sent out "throughout December". Many claimants have already reported seeing the £10 arrive in their accounts. However, if you believe you are eligible but have not received your payment by January 1, the department advises you to make contact.
You should get in touch with either the Jobcentre Plus office that handles your claims or the Pension Service, depending on which benefit you receive.
The spokesperson added context to the payment within the government's wider strategy: "As part of our Plan for Change we’re shifting our focus from welfare to work, skills, opportunities, so living standards are boosted and more people move out of poverty." The Christmas Bonus remains a small, automatic support for those on qualifying benefits during the festive season.
