The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will once again provide a Christmas bonus for claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other eligible benefits.
This one-time payment is worth £10 and is intended to offer extra support during the festive season.
What Is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to help people living with a disability, illness, or mental health condition that impacts their daily life.
If you are currently receiving PIP during the qualifying week in December, you will automatically receive the Christmas bonus payment.
When Will the Payment Be Made?
The bonus is typically issued at the beginning of December. To qualify, claimants must be in receipt of PIP during the qualifying week, which usually falls in the first full week of December each year.
The payment will appear on your bank statement as “DWP XB.” Importantly, the bonus is tax-free, will not reduce your other benefits, and requires no application, as it is paid automatically.
Residency Requirements
To receive the bonus, you must also be ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the qualifying week.
Full List of Eligible Benefits
It is not just PIP claimants who are entitled. The following benefits also qualify for the Christmas bonus:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Disability Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (Industrial Injuries or War Pensions)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (after first 13 weeks)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
- Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit – guarantee element
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitional protection)
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (Industrial Injuries or War Pensions)
- War Disablement Pension (at State Pension age)
- War Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
Historical Context of the Bonus
The Christmas bonus was first introduced in 1972 and has remained at £10 for decades. The only exception was in 2008, when it was temporarily increased to £70 to help households cope with the global financial crisis, before reverting to £10 the following year.
Key Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bonus Amount | £10 |
| Payment Month | Early December |
| Qualifying Week | First full week of December |
| Residency Requirement | UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar |
| How It Appears on Statement | “DWP XB” |
| Application Needed | No, automatic payment |
| Tax Status | Tax-free, no impact on other benefits |
The DWP Christmas bonus continues to provide a small but meaningful financial boost to those on PIP and other qualifying benefits.
While the amount has not increased in decades, it remains an annual recognition of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, pensioners, and carers during the holiday season.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the DWP Christmas bonus?
No, the payment is made automatically to eligible claimants.
How will the Christmas bonus show on my bank statement?
It will appear as “DWP XB.”
Can I receive the Christmas bonus if I live outside the UK?
Only if you are ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar during the qualifying week.
