The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK has confirmed some heartening news for millions of people. If you receive certain types of benefits or a state pension, you’re likely to get a little bonus this December. And the best part? You don’t have to apply or fill out any forms to receive it. The money will land directly in your account, just like your regular payments.
This small yet welcomed payment aims to support many individuals during the often expensive Christmas season. With heating bills, groceries and holiday purchases piling up, even a small amount like £10 can help make a difference. If you’re wondering whether you qualify, how it works, or when exactly to expect it, we’ve got the details covered below.
What Is This Extra 10 Pounds All About
This Article Includes
- 1 What Is This Extra 10 Pounds All About
- 2 Who Qualifies for the Christmas Bonus
- 3 You Don’t Have to Do Anything to Get It
- 4 When Will You Get the Payment
- 5 Can You Get More Than One Bonus
- 6 Will This Affect Any Other Payments
- 7 How to Check If You Are Eligible
- 8 What If You Don’t Receive It
- 9 Final Thoughts
The DWP gives out a tax-free payment of £10 every December to people who receive certain types of benefits or a state pension. This small bonus is known as the Christmas Bonus. It has been in place for many years and is designed to give extra support during the holiday season.
While £10 may not seem like a lot, for many people on fixed incomes, it’s still a kind gesture from the government. The most reassuring part of this bonus is that it gets added to your usual payment without you needing to do anything extra. No calls, no applications – if you’re eligible, the money just appears in your bank account.
Who Qualifies for the Christmas Bonus
If you receive one of the qualifying benefits during the qualifying week, which is usually the first full week of December, you will get the bonus. Here are some of the benefits that make you eligible:
– State Pension
– Disability Living Allowance
– Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
– Carer’s Allowance
– Attendance Allowance
– Incapacity Benefit
– Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
– Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
– Widow’s Pension or Bereavement Support Payment
This is not a complete list, but if you receive any of these or similar benefits, you are likely to qualify for the Christmas Bonus.
You Don’t Have to Do Anything to Get It
One of the best things about this payment is that it’s automatic. All you have to do is be receiving a qualifying benefit during the key week in December. The DWP figures it out on their own and sends the money straight to your account. It shows up as a separate payment from your usual benefit money, often tagged as “Xmas Bonus” on your bank statement.
So, no need to call anyone, fill out forms, or log in to any system. If you are already eligible, the payment finds you.
When Will You Get the Payment
The money is generally sent out during the second week of December. There is no specific date since it depends on your usual benefit schedule and bank processing times. But most people find the money in their accounts sometime between 5 December and 15 December.
If it doesn’t show up right away, don’t panic. It often arrives a few days before or after your regular benefit money. Just keep an eye on your bank account around that period.
Can You Get More Than One Bonus
Even if you get several benefits at the same time, you only receive one Christmas Bonus. It’s a fixed amount of £10, and each person gets it once, not per benefit. So, for example, if you get both State Pension and Personal Independence Payment, you’ll still just receive £10.
However, if two people in the same household both receive qualifying benefits, each person receives their own £10. So couples or housemates receiving benefits will each get a payment if eligible.
Will This Affect Any Other Payments
No, it won’t. The Christmas Bonus does not affect any other benefits, tax credits, or earnings. It is completely tax-free and does not count as extra income. That means your usual benefits won’t be reduced or changed in any way because of this extra £10.
It’s simply a small thank-you from the DWP to help ease the burden of holiday-season costs.
How to Check If You Are Eligible
If you’re not sure whether you get one of the qualifying benefits, the quickest way to check is to look at your most recent DWP or pension payment letter. It usually lists all the benefits paid to you.
Alternatively, you can log in to your account through the GOV.UK website where most benefit details can be checked. If you’re unsure or need help, you can call the relevant DWP helpline, but in most cases, if you’re already receiving one of the listed benefits during the qualifying week, you are likely set to receive the payment.
What If You Don’t Receive It
If mid-December passes and you haven’t received your Christmas Bonus, but you believe you’re eligible, it’s best to first double-check your bank statement for a payment marked “Xmas Bonus”. If nothing appears by late December, you can reach out to your local Jobcentre Plus office or contact the DWP helpline for clarification.
They can check your claim and, if needed, correct any issues that may have kept the payment from reaching you on time.
Final Thoughts
In today’s world, where every little bit counts, an extra £10 from the government, especially with no extra effort needed, is still something to appreciate. Whether it helps with a small grocery run, a bit of festive shopping, or any other expense, the Christmas Bonus is meant to offer a little cheer.
So if you’re receiving benefits, keep an eye on your account in early December and enjoy this small bit of holiday support.
