DWP releases Christmas bonus details including who will be eligible this winter
What is the Christmas bonus?
The Christmas bonus is a one-off, tax-free payment made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to certain people in the UK who are receiving specific benefits.
Who is eligible for the Christmas bonus?
To be eligible for the Christmas bonus, you must be getting one of the following benefits in the qualifying week:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
The qualifying week is the first full week of December. You must be present in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the qualifying week to be eligible for the bonus.
How much is the Christmas bonus?
The Christmas bonus is paid at a rate of £10.00 for each week you receive eligible benefits during the qualifying period. This means that the maximum amount you can receive is £100.00.
When will the Christmas bonus be paid?
The Christmas bonus will be paid on December 5, 2023. If you are eligible for the bonus, it will be paid automatically into the same bank account or building society account that you receive your benefits into.
What if I don’t receive my Christmas bonus?
If you think you should have received the Christmas bonus but have not, you should contact the DWP. You can do this by phone, textphone, or webchat.
The DWP’s phone number is 0800 022 1844. The DWP’s textphone number is 0800 022 1847. The DWP’s webchat service can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/contact-dwp.
