DWP Christmas Bonus to enter bank accounts on these dates

Millions of households have been told a special bonus payment from the DWP will soon be entering their bank accounts. They've been told to look out for the cash over the next few weeks.

The DWP Christmas Bonus is a £10 payment made to pensioners and people on certain benefits to provide a little extra help over the busy festive period. The Government says it will be dropping into bank accounts "before Christmas".

This means most eligible people should receive the cash in either early or mid-December in time for Christmas. The payment is automatic for those who qualify and there is no need to apply.

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Qualifying benefits include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance and Carer's Allowance, as long as they are getting those benefits in the first full week of December. 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. If you think you should get it, but have not by January 1, contact the Jobcentre Plus office that deals with your payments or the Pension Service." There have been calls for the Christmas Bonus amount to be increased over recent years, amid claims the £10 payment makes little difference to most people.

The amount has not risen for years despite increases to inflation and the cost of daily essentials in that time.