Every December, the UK government offers a small festive financial boost to millions of people through the DWP Christmas Bonus. While it’s just £10, it’s a well-known tradition — and knowing if you qualify is important.
So, who actually gets the bonus? How does it work? And when can you expect it to land in your account?
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the DWP Christmas Bonus in simple terms.
Table of Contents
Overview
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sends out a £10 tax-free payment to eligible individuals during the first full week of December. It’s meant to help with the extra expenses that come around Christmas — think food, gifts, or heating bills.
You don’t need to apply or fill out any forms. If you qualify, the money will arrive automatically in your bank account. Easy.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility depends on two main things:
- Receiving a qualifying benefit during the qualifying week (usually the first full week of December).
- Living in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during that same week.
If you meet both of these criteria, the £10 bonus should land in your account automatically.
Benefits
To receive the bonus, you must be claiming at least one of the following benefits during the qualifying week:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit (guarantee element)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (in the main phase)
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit (long-term rate)
- Industrial Death Benefit
- Mobility Supplement
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- War Disablement Pension (at State Pension age)
- War Widow’s or War Widower’s Pension
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
Important: Receiving Universal Credit alone does not qualify you for the bonus.
When Paid
The bonus is usually paid in early December, around the same time every year. There’s no set date, but most eligible people see it land within the first or second week of the month.
When it arrives, look for this code on your bank statement:
- “DWP XB” or “XB”
That’s the code that identifies it as the Christmas Bonus.
Location
To qualify, you must also be living in:
- The United Kingdom
- The Channel Islands
- The Isle of Man
- Gibraltar
If you’ve moved abroad and are not living in one of these places, you may not be eligible — even if you get one of the qualifying benefits.
Couples
If you’re in a married couple or civil partnership, each of you can receive £10 — but only if you both get a qualifying benefit.
If one partner doesn’t receive a qualifying benefit, they may still be eligible if:
- Both of you are over State Pension age, and
- The non-claiming partner is dependent on the one receiving benefits.
So yes, couples can get £20 combined — if both people meet the conditions.
Not Eligible
Let’s clear up who won’t get the bonus:
- People who receive only Universal Credit
- Anyone not claiming one of the listed benefits
- People living outside the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar
- Individuals who have not yet claimed their State Pension
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, check your benefit letters or call the DWP directly.
Payment
Once everything checks out, you don’t need to do anything. The payment is made automatically, and there’s no application form.
| Bonus | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | £10 (tax-free) |
| Payment window | First or second week of December |
| Reference code | “DWP XB” or “XB” on your bank |
| Application needed | No – it’s automatic |
While it may not be a huge sum, this annual bonus remains a welcome gesture — especially during a season that can stretch finances for many households. Make sure you’re receiving a qualifying benefit and living in an eligible location, and you can expect the £10 to show up in time for Christmas.
FAQs
How much is the DWP Christmas Bonus?
It’s a one-off £10 tax-free payment.
When is the DWP Christmas Bonus paid?
Usually during the first full week of December.
Do I need to apply for the bonus?
No, it’s paid automatically if you’re eligible.
Does Universal Credit qualify me?
Not on its own. You need another qualifying benefit.
What does ‘DWP XB’ mean on my bank?
It’s the Christmas Bonus payment reference code.
