The eligibility period for the UK government’s annual £10 Christmas Bonus is set to begin, typically covering the first full week of December. During this qualifying week, your entitlement is determined based on the benefits you claim and your financial situation. The one-off, tax-free payment is designed to provide a small financial boost during the holiday season and is paid automatically to those who qualify.
To be eligible, individuals must be present or ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the qualifying week and be receiving one of 24 specified benefits, such as State Pension. If both partners in a couple receive a qualifying benefit, each will get the bonus. The payment usually appears in the same account used for benefits, listed as ’DWP XB’ on bank statements, and arrives before Christmas Day.
The Department for Work and Pensions states that no claim is necessary for the bonus, as it is paid automatically. If the payment has not been received by January 1st, the DWP advises contacting the office that handles your benefits, such as the Pension Service or your local Jobcentre Plus, to inquire.
