This bonus will provide a small financial boost (Image: Getty Images/Polka Dot RF)
This December, recipients of 23 different benefits distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions () are in for a small but perfectly formed festive treat – the ‘s £10 Christmas Bonus.
This bonus will provide a tiny but welcome financial boost during one of the most financially challenging times of the year, with high heating costs and Christmas expenses to contend with.
However, not all benefit claimants will receive the £10 bonus. Universal Credit claimants are excluded from the payment, making six million people ineligible due to the criteria.
Nevertheless, those who receive additional funds through other specified benefits should still see the payment.
The extensive list of 23 benefits that qualify for the bonus includes Adult Disability Payment, Armed Forces Independence Payment, , Carer’s Allowance, Carer Support Payment and Child Disability Payment, as well as Constant (paid for industrial injuries or War Pensions).
The annual payment is known as the DWP Christmas bonus (Image: Getty)
Other qualifying benefits include: Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate, Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers), Mobility Supplement, Pension Age Disability Payment and Pension Credit – the guarantee element.
The list is rounded off by Personal Independence Payment (PIP), , Severe Disablement Allowance, Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid for industrial injuries or War Pensions), War Disablement Pension at age, War Widow’s Pension, Widowed Mother’s Allowance, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, and Widow’s Pension.
The benefit was first introduced in the 1970s, reports – but has never been increased.
DWP announces ‘bonuses’ for some claiming benefits (Image: Getty)
All benefits, pensions and allowances are typically paid into an account, such as your bank account. It may appear as ‘ XB’ on your bank statement.
If you have not claimed your and are not entitled to one of the other qualifying benefits, you will not receive a Christmas Bonus. You do not need to claim the Christmas Bonus – it should be given automatically.
If you believe you should receive it, but have not by 1 January, contact the Jobcentre Plus office that handles your payments or the Pension Service. If you’re part of a married couple, in a civil partnership or living together as if you are and you both get one of the qualifying benefits, you’ll each receive a Christmas Bonus payment.