Millions of benefit claimants set to get Christmas bonus

To be eligible for the bonus, the claimant must be present or ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week concerned this year

Millions of benefit claimants could be receiving some extra money this December to help them through the holiday season.

Those on Universal Credit, PIP, and the state pension will be receive the bonus, which may only be a small amount, but will be appreciated by those counting pennies this winter.

This Christmas gift to those who are eligible is a one-off tax-free payment made before December 25, reports Lincolnshire Live.

It could be a small help to Christmas shopping which for many people will cause a financial strain they simply cannot afford.

The Christmas bonus is likely to be £10 and will be going straight into claimants’ bank accounts.

Benefits, pensions, and allowances usually go into an account of a person’s choosing - like a bank account, building society, and credit union account.

The DWP has explained that the bonus should appear as ‘DWP XB’ on bank statements.

To be eligible for the bonus you must be present or ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week concerned this year.

The qualifying week is very important for the Christmas Bonus as this secures eligibility.

However, this means ex-pats living abroad might not be able to benefit. Those living in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland are encouraged to contact the government about this.

However, the DWP has issued a warning to individuals who are thinking they may be eligible to receive a Christmas Bonus.

The website reads: If you have not claimed your state pension and are not entitled to one of the other qualifying benefits you will not get a Christmas Bonus.