As the festive season approaches, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to distribute its annual Christmas Bonus to eligible individuals across the UK. This one-off, tax-free payment of £10 aims to provide additional support during the holiday period.
Eligibility Criteria for the Christmas Bonus
To qualify for the Christmas Bonus, recipients 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. Additionally, individuals must be receiving at least one of the following benefits during this period:
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Pension Credit (the guarantee element)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
- Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
- War Widow’s Pension
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Mobility Supplement
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
It’s important to note that if you have not claimed your State Pension and are not entitled to one of the other qualifying benefits, you will not receive the Christmas Bonus.
Payment Process and Identification
The Christmas Bonus is paid automatically; there is no need to apply. The £10 payment will appear in your bank account with the reference ‘DWP XB’. If you believe you are eligible but do not receive the payment by January 1, 2025, it is advisable to contact the Jobcentre Plus office that handles your payments or the Pension Service.
Impact of the Christmas Bonus
Introduced in 1972, the Christmas Bonus has remained at £10, despite inflation and rising living costs. While some recipients appreciate the gesture, others feel that the amount is insufficient to make a significant difference during the costly festive season.
| Benefit Type | Eligibility Criteria | Payment Amount | Payment Date | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Pension | Receiving during qualifying week | £10 | December | Automatic payment |
| Disability Living Allowance | Receiving during qualifying week | £10 | December | Automatic payment |
| Carer’s Allowance | Receiving during qualifying week | £10 | December | Automatic payment |
| War Widow’s Pension | Receiving during qualifying week | £10 | December | Automatic payment |
For a comprehensive list of qualifying benefits and further details, refer to the official DWP guidelines.
FAQs
What is the DWP Christmas Bonus?
The DWP Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment made to individuals receiving certain benefits during the qualifying week, typically the first full week of December.
Do I need to apply for the Christmas Bonus?
No, the payment is made automatically to those who are eligible.
How will the payment appear in my bank account?
The £10 payment will appear with the reference ‘DWP XB’ in your bank statement.
What should I do if I haven’t received my Christmas Bonus by January?
If you believe you are eligible but have not received the payment by January 1, 2025, contact the Jobcentre Plus office that handles your payments or the Pension Service.
Has the amount of the Christmas Bonus changed over the years?
No, the Christmas Bonus has remained at £10 since its introduction in 1972.
Staying informed about such payments ensures that eligible individuals receive the support they are entitled to during the festive season.
