Millions of benefit claimants are set to get a "Christmas Bonus" from this week.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is issuing the one-off payment to people receiving one of more than 20 benefits. They include the state pension and carers' allowance.
Those eligible for the cash boost do not have to apply or make a claim - it will be paid automatically into bank accounts.
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The government body has also said that the lump sum comes in addition to any benefits people normally receive and should be given out by the end of the 'first full week of December'. It is also separate from other cost of living support payments provided by the government, reported Cheshire Live.
The cash boost is worth £10 and may show up on your bank statement as "DWP XB". Although this may not seem like much, to many families it will be crucial, especially in run-up to Christmas as struggling households try to stretch their budgets as far as possible. To qualify for the payment, you must be claiming the following benefits between December 5-11.
Benefits eligible for DWP Christmas Bonus
- 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
Not everyone over State Pension age will get the payment. The DWP explains: “If you have not claimed your State Pension and are not entitled to one of the other qualifying benefits you will not get a Christmas Bonus.” If you’re part of a married couple, in a civil partnership or living together and you both get one of the qualifying benefits you will each get a Christmas Bonus payment.
I you think you should get it, but do not receive it in December, contact the Jobcentre Plus office that deals with your payments or the Pension Service. To find out more about the Christmas Bonus on GOV.UK, click here.
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