While Christmas is still a few months away, people are already working to get their finances in order in preparation for the holiday season – and those who rely on government assistance will want to know exactly what assistance is available to them.
In addition to the payments provided between now and the end of 2023, some groups can expect to receive the DWP Christmas bonus again, with the additional money due in the first week of December.
The purpose of this payment is to assist people with unexpected costs during the holiday season, but who is eligible and how much can you expect to receive?
Here’s what you should know…
What is the amount of the DWP Christmas bonus?
The DWP Christmas bonus payment is a £10 tax-free lump sum that will not affect any other benefits you may be receiving.
The bonus has been in existence since 1972, when it was included in the Pensioners’ and Family Income Supplement Payments Act.
It has stayed at £10 ever since, with the exception of 2008, when it was raised to £70 in the aftermath of that year’s financial catastrophe.
Who is eligible for the DWP Christmas bonus?
You’re eligible for the DWP Christmas bonus if you claim any of the following:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Disability Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit – the guarantee element
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
- War Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
You will not be entitled to the bonus if you have not claimed your State Pension and are not entitled to any of the above.
Those who claim Universal Credit are also not eligible for the bonus. However if you’re part of a married couple or living together as if you are and you both get one of the qualifying benefits you’ll both get the payment.
If your partner does not qualify they may still get the bonus if:
- you’re both over State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week
- your partner or civil partner was also present (or ‘ordinarily resident’) in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland during the qualifying week
and either:
- you’re entitled to an increase of a qualifying benefit for your partner or civil partner
- the only qualifying benefit you’re getting is Pension Credit
How to claim the DWP Christmas bonus
Those who are eligible do not need to apply for or claim the DWP Christmas bonus, as it should be paid to you automatically.
You can expect to receive it around the first week in December.
If you don’t receive it and think you are entitled to it, you should contact the Jobcentre Plus office which deals with your benefits payments, or get in touch with your local Pension Service.