People who are currently claiming certain types of benefits could soon receive a boost within just days. And for many, this will come just in time for Christmas
According to LancsLive, recipients of Universal Credit and other benefits including Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can expect the extra cash boost within days.
In addition to the £650 cost of living support payment by the DWP, which has been divided into two payments of £326 and £324 for those on means-tested benefits, they will also get the cash boost. The extra money hopes to help those hit hardest by the cost of living crisis with the DWP giving benefit claimants an extra Christmas bonus next month.
READ NEXT: Prince William and Kate pay tribute to ‘inspirational’ Doddie Weir
Everyone who is eligible to receive it will automatically have it paid into their bank account meaning the cash boost, which is due to arrive within days, doesn't require people to have to do anything to claim it.
A DWP spokesperson said: "The Christmas Bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas, paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week. This is normally the first full week of December."
But what else should you know? Here's more information about the Christmas bonus.
What is the Christmas bonus?
The Christmas Bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas, paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week. This is normally the first full week of December.
The cash will not impact any other benefits, and it will be received in the same account any other benefits, pensions or allowances are paid. It may show up as 'DWP XB' on any bank statements.
Who is eligible for the Christmas bonus?
To get a Christmas Bonus you must be present or "ordinarily resident" in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week.
You must also get at least one of the following benefits in the week the bonus is delivered (normally the first full week of December):
- 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
If you do not receive the Christmas Bonus, and believe you are eligible, you can contact the Jobcentre Plus office that deals with your payments or the Pension Service.
READ NEXT:
Met Office gives 'Beast from the East' verdict amid Edinburgh snow predictions
Tesco shopper shares trick to unlock supermarket trolleys without a £1 coin
Hard up West Lothian families abandoning dogs as they cannot afford to feed them
Edinburgh nursery worker 'grabbed and flung' two-year-old in front of his mother
Doting dad dies from 'silent killer' after turning down daughter's roast dinners
