People will receive the tax-free payment if they are eligible during the qualifying week. More than 20 million people across the UK are claiming at least one benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). That number includes nearly 12.
7 million older people in receipt of State Pension payments, a contributory benefit only available to those of retirement age with at least 10 years’ worth of National Insurance Contributions. However, many people - including new retirees - may not be aware of an annual bonus paid to those on certain benefits before Christmas, which might come in handy during the colder months. The ‘Christmas Bonus’ is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment made to people in receipt of State Pension or those claiming certain other benefits including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance - if they meet the eligibility criteria during a specific qualifying period, which is typically the first full week in December.
However, while some 22 benefits are eligible for the £10 payment, some 6.7 million people claiming Universal Credit claimants do not qualify. It’s worth noting that the DWP will make this as a separate payment, independent of your scheduled State Pension or benefit payment, so it may arrive on a different day.
Nobody needs to apply for the extra £10 as it should automatically go into the account where you usually receive your benefit payment or State Pension. It will show as ‘DWP XB’ on bank.
