Nearly 24 million people across the UK receive at least one benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), including 13 million receiving State Pension, 5.7 million on Universal Credit, and 3.7 million claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Among the additional annual perks is the DWP Christmas Bonus a small but welcomed one-time payment for millions.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bonus Name | DWP Christmas Bonus |
| Payment Value | £10 (tax-free, one-off) |
| Payment Date | Early December (first full week) |
| How Paid | Automatic deposit (“DWP XB” reference) |
| Application Required | No, paid automatically |
| Who Qualifies | Recipients of at least one of 23 key benefits, living in UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar (sometimes EEA/Switzerland) |
| Universal Credit Eligible? | No, does not qualify for bonus |
What Is the DWP Christmas Bonus?
The DWP Christmas Bonus is a £10, tax-free, one-off payment given to people receiving certain benefits before Christmas each year. Introduced in 1972, its value has remained the same and is paid automatically to qualifying benefit recipients.
How and When Is the Bonus Paid?
- Payment typically arrives early December (between December 1-7).
- It is paid separately from your usual benefit or pension payment and may show up on a different date.
- The bonus appears in your account (bank or building society) with a reference like “DWP XB.”
- No application is needed the payment is processed automatically.
Who Qualifies for the Christmas Bonus?
Eligibility requirements:
- Residency in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, or sometimes the EEA/Switzerland during the qualifying week.
- Receipt of at least one qualifying benefit.
Qualifying Benefits include
State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Credit (guarantee element), Adult or Child Disability Payment (Scotland), Carer Support Payment (Scotland), Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland), contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after 13 weeks), Constant Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit at long-term rate, Industrial Death Benefit (widows/widowers), Severe Disablement Allowance, Unemployability Supplement or Allowance, War Disablement Pension (at State Pension age), War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, Widow’s Pension, Widowed Mother’s Allowance, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Mobility Supplement.
Couples and the Bonus
- Married couples, those in civil partnerships, or cohabiting couples each receive £10, provided both get a qualifying benefit.
- If only one partner receives a qualifying benefit, the other can qualify if both are over State Pension age, present in the relevant locations during the qualifying week, and certain benefit rules apply (e.g., Pension Credit as sole benefit or benefit includes partner).
No Application Necessary
- No action needed if you’re eligible, the DWP pays you automatically.
- Bonus will appear as usual in your bank or building society statement.
- For further details, consult the GOV.UK website.
Why the Bonus Matters
Although the amount is modest, the Christmas Bonus provides extra support during the festive season to millions of pensioners and benefit recipients. For many, it is a welcome gesture that adds a bit of cheer to the end of the year.