Millions of people who claim Universal Credit and other benefits will get an extra cash boost in the coming days and weeks.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has delivered a £650 financial support package to those hardest hit by the cost of living crisis in recent months including a £324 cost of living payment to those on means-tested benefits next month. This is after an earlier payment of £326.
On top of this support, the government department is giving those on Universal Credit and other benefits including PIP and Disability Living Allowance an additional Christmas bonus payment in December.
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People do not have to do anything to claim the benefit, as those eligible should receive it automatically, and it is due to arrive very soon. 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."
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
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