Special £10 payment dropping into millions of bank accounts

Millions of people are being told to look out for a special £10 payment which will be landing in bank accounts in the coming weeks. The DWP Christmas Bonus is being paid out to state pensioners and people on a number of benefits.

It's designed to provide a small boost to those on low incomes over the expensive festive period. The cash will be paid into bank accounts automatically for those who qualify just before Christmas.

This is as long as people were receiving one of the qualifying benefits during the first week of December. Not everyone may be aware of the Christmas Bonus, so they should check their bank accounts in the run-up to Christmas. Anyone who spots a mystery £10 payment, this is likely to be the bonus.

READ MORE: Households told date for £200 cost of living payment

Get our best money saving tips and hacks by signing up to our newsletter

POLL: Do you agree with the DWP taking money from bank accounts or wages?

Critics have questioned the purpose of the £10 bonus, arguing it makes little difference to those who receive it. The amount has remained unchanged for years despite increases to inflation and the price of daily essentials.

Qualifying benefits include Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. State pensioners will also get the cash. The Government explained: "The Christmas Bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas, paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week. This is normally the first full week of December.

"You do not need to claim - you should get paid automatically. All benefits, pensions and allowances are normally paid into an account, such as your bank account. It may show up as ‘DWP XB’ on your bank statement."