XMAS BOOST
Exact code to spot when DWP Christmas bonus lands in bank accounts – are you getting an extra payment?
Keep an eye out for the code in your bank statement
MILLIONS on Universal Credit and other benefits soon be receiving a Christmas bonus directly into their bank accounts.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hands out a tax-free bonus to hard-pressed households ahead of Christmas.
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For people who meet the criteria, the money is usually paid into their bank account automatically, meaning you do not have to apply.
If you are not sure if you have received the payment before, check on your bank statements for a code which says "DWP XB".
To get the money you usually need to be claiming benefits before the qualifying week, which is typically the first week of December.
The full list of benefits which make you eligible for the bonus include:
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- Adult Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Carer Support Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefits at the long-term rate
- Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
- Mobility Supplement
- Pension Credit - the guarantee element
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
- Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
- Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
- War Disablement Pension at State Pension Age
- War Widow’s Pension
- Widowed Mother’s Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- Widow’s Pension
If you meet the criteria, you will get £10 from the DWP to help towards costs over Christmas.
The DWP says that if you think you should get it and the money hasn’t come through by January 1, you must contact your local Jobcentre Plus office.
It's also worth bearing in mind that in some cases you could be entitled to claim even if you are not claiming benefits.
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This usually only applies if you are in a partnership, for example a marriage or civil partnership, and are claiming the State Pension.
History of the Christmas Bonus
THE Christmas bonus was first introduced in 1972.
Initially set at £10, the bonus was intended to help with the additional costs that come with Christmas, such as gifts and festive meals.
Despite inflation and the rising cost of living over the decades, the amount of the Christmas bonus has remained unchanged since its inception.
If the payment had risen in line with inflation, it would now be worth a bumper £114.95 - enough to cover the cost of a big shop for the family.
While the value of £10 has significantly diminished over the years, the Christmas Bonus continues to be a small but welcome addition to many people's incomes during the holiday period.
State Pension loophole
For example, your partner may still get the £10 bonus if you are both over the State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week.
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This usually starts on the first Monday of December, so this year it will begin on the 2nd of the month.
In this instance, one of you will need to be claiming a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit.
Both of you will also need to be aged either 66 or above by the start of December.
So, for example, a retired husband may be claiming Pension Credit and his wife is not, but his claim makes them both eligible for the bonus.
However, you will not get the money paid out separately - instead a total of £20 will be paid in one account.
And bear in mind that your partner who is claiming must also be entitled to an increase in their qualifying benefit.
So, for example, you can be entitled to an increase in Pension Credit if you start living with your partner.
The benefit tops up your weekly income to £213 if you’re single or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.
If an increase in benefit is paid for an adult partner that should be shown on the benefit award letters sent out annually, or when the benefit was first claimed.
It will usually say something like "extra amount paid for your partner" and give a figure.
If the benefit is pension credit the award letter will say something like "amount for you and your partner".
Other factors
To get the cash, you also must be present or a resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar or Switzerland during the qualifying week.
If you are concerned about your partner missing out, contact with the DWP for help.
Samuel Thomas, senior policy advisor at anti-poverty charity Z2K, previously told The Sun: “Many people are entitled to more financial support from the social security system than they realise.
"If you’re struggling financially, you should check whether you can claim any additional benefits or seek independent advice.”
If you are worried about costs this winter, make sure you're aware of different support available to you.
For example, councils are giving out up to £500 in cash and food grants via the Household Support Fund.
How to check your eligibility
For those who are unsure if they can get access to the bonus and other help, you can use an online benefits calculator.
These are free-to-use online tools which can be accessed at a number of websites.
For example, the charity Turn2Us' has a benefits calculator that works out what you could get.
Entitledto also has a free calculator that determines whether you qualify for various benefits, including tax credits and Universal Credit.
You can also use to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
If you do not want to use an online calculator there are other options available.
For example, you can also check with a local benefits adviser to find out what you could be entitled to.
The website advicelocal.uk lets you enter your postcode and informs you of your nearest adviser and how you can contact them.
For example, if you enter on the website that you live in Wandsworth, London it will give you the details of the nearest support in the area.
In this instance, it was the borough's local Age UK and Citizens Advice.
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You should be aware that many organisations do not offer an open-door service.
If you are planning to contact an organisation for help or advice you might want to check their website for more information before doing so..
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