Universal Credit claimants will not receive a DWP bonus payment this Christmas

People who receive Universal Credit (UC) as a standalone benefit will not be eligible for a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bonus payment this Christmas. While households on several benefits will qualify for the money, those solely on UC will not.

The Christmas Bonus is distributed by the Government in December, aiming to provide some financial relief during the costly festive period. The DWP has identified the benefits which will make recipients eligible for the £10 payment, reports Birmingham Live.

A number of low-income households will qualify for this boost, but UC as a standalone benefit does not make the cut. However, many UC recipients also receive other benefits, making them eligible for the bonus. These qualifying benefits include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Pension Credit, and Carer's Allowance.

The £10 Christmas Bonus is given out annually, although there has been criticism that the amount hasn't risen over the years despite inflation and cost of living pressures. The Government describes the bonus as: "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."