Millions of people across the UK are set to receive a small financial boost in the run-up to Christmas, marked by a specific code on their bank statements.
In December, many individuals claiming state benefits will notice the code 'DWP XB' appearing on their transactions. This denotes the annual, tax-free Christmas Bonus payment from the Department for Work and Pensions.
What is the DWP Christmas Bonus?
The payment is a £10 bonus given automatically to those who claim certain benefits. It is designed to provide a little extra support during the festive season.
The bonus is paid during the early part of December, with the DWP aiming to ensure it reaches accounts well before Christmas Day. To qualify, you must be present in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during what is known as the 'qualifying week', which is typically the first full week of December.
Who is Eligible for the Payment?
Eligibility is linked to receiving one or more of 24 specific benefits. If you are part of a couple and both receive a qualifying benefit, you will each receive the £10 payment individually.
There are special rules for partners. Even if only one of you receives a qualifying benefit, you might still both get the bonus if you are both over the State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week and meet certain residency conditions.
The full list of qualifying benefits, as stated on Gov.uk, includes:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Adult Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after the first 13 weeks)
- And other benefits such as War Disablement Pension and Widowed Parent’s Allowance.
What You Need to Do
The good news is that for most eligible claimants, no action is required. The payment is made automatically directly into the bank account where you normally receive your benefits.
Simply keep an eye on your bank statement in December for the reference 'DWP XB'. If you believe you are eligible but do not receive the payment, you should contact the DWP office that handles your benefits.
This small payment provides a guaranteed bit of extra cash for those on qualifying benefits during the expensive Christmas period.
