If you’re living in the UK and receiving government benefits, there’s some good news coming your way. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is giving out an extra £10 to millions of people this year. The best part? You don’t have to do anything to get it. The money will be added to your payment automatically.
This small bonus might not seem like a lot, but during tough times with high costs of living, every bit helps. Many may not even be aware of this payment, especially since it happens quietly each year. In this article, we’ll explain who gets it, when it’s coming, and why it’s being paid.
What is the £10 Christmas Bonus
The £10 is called the Christmas Bonus. It’s a one-time, tax-free payment that the DWP gives out every year around the festive season. This small amount is meant to give people on certain benefits a little extra help during the winter holidays. It might not sound like much, but it’s a tradition that’s been around for a long time, since the 1970s.
Even though it’s just £10, many people welcome the gesture. The aim is to provide a bit more support at a time when expenses often go up due to extra heating bills, gift buying and food shopping.
Who Will Receive This Bonus
This £10 Christmas Bonus will be given to people who receive certain benefits or pensions from the government. Some of the qualifying benefits include:
– State Pension
– Disability Living Allowance
– Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
– Attendance Allowance
– Carer’s Allowance
– Incapacity Benefit
– Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
– Jobseeker’s Allowance (only if you live with a partner who qualifies)
– Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
– War Widow’s Pension
– Pension Credit
To qualify, you must have been living in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the qualifying week, which is usually the first full week of December.
How Will You Get the Payment
The good news is, you don’t need to apply for this bonus. If you qualify based on the benefits you’re currently receiving, the DWP will automatically send the £10 to your bank account. It might show in your bank as a separate payment or appear along with your regular benefit money.
The payment will have a reference that includes your National Insurance number. So if you see a small £10 payment around mid-December, that is likely your Christmas Bonus.
Why Is This Bonus Given Every Year
The £10 bonus was introduced in 1972. Back then, it used to have a bit more value than it does today. Despite inflation, the amount hasn’t changed in over 50 years. Still, the government continues to offer it every year as a small way of recognising financial hardships, especially around Christmas and the cost increases that come with it.
While many people think the bonus should be more due to rising living costs, the fact that it still arrives automatically each year is a relief for many who are on tight budgets. Campaigners have highlighted this issue, calling for the amount to be increased or reviewed.
Is There Any Way to Get More Than £10
Unfortunately, no. The amount is fixed at £10 for each eligible individual. Even if you get more than one benefit, you’ll only get one Christmas Bonus payment. The bonus does not increase if your partner, carer, or anyone else receives their own payment. It’s strictly a once-per-person amount.
However, if you and your partner both qualify individually based on the benefits you get, then each of you will receive your own £10 bonus.
What Should You Do if You Don’t See the Payment
Most people will receive the bonus between the first and second weeks of December. If you are eligible but don’t see the payment in your bank account by the end of December, you can contact the office that pays your benefits. Make sure to check your bank statements carefully too, as £10 may not be easily noticed.
You can also call the DWP’s helpline if you are unsure. But generally, they do not ask anyone to apply or send any documents. Since it’s an automatic process, only those whose benefit records are updated might face delays or issues.
Does the Bonus Affect Your Other Benefits
No, the £10 bonus is completely tax-free and does not affect your other benefits in any way. It’s just a small, extra amount the government gives out, and it won’t reduce or change any of the payments you already receive. So it’s a free boost that you can use however you like.
Why It’s Still Better Than Nothing
Times are hard, and while £10 doesn’t buy what it used to, this small payment still helps many people. Whether it goes toward your extra heating bills or a small treat over the holidays, getting something free during the winter months can make a difference. It also helps people feel remembered and supported during the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on certain government benefits and live in the UK, there’s a good chance you’ll receive the £10 Christmas Bonus from the DWP. You don’t need to fill out any forms, make any calls, or visit any offices. It’s all handled for you automatically.
While some people may think £10 isn’t much, during times of financial pressures, every little help counts. Keep an eye on your bank account in December, and if you meet the conditions, you’ll see the bonus arriving just in time for the festive period.
