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Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for the DWP Christmas Bonus
Inflation Erodes Value of Christmas Bonus
According to GB News, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which provides state pensions Universal Credit and other benefits to millions of individuals in the UK is expected to make an additional payment before the year ends. Known as the Christmas Bonus this one-time payout is intended to assist households in managing their expenses over the holiday season. The Christmas Bonus is a £10 payment that will be automatically given to eligible benefit claimants. It will appear as a separate payment from their usual benefit or state pension and will show up on bank statements or online accounts as ‘DWP XB’. No one needs to apply for this extra money, as it will be paid directly to those who qualify.
To be eligible for the Christmas Bonus claimants must be receiving at least one of 22 specific benefits during the ‘qualifying week’ which is typically the first full week of December. Some of the benefits that make someone eligible include the State Pension, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, and Pension Credit among others. Additionally, claimants must be living in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week to receive the bonus. While this £10 payment provides a little extra financial support it has not kept up with inflation since it was first introduced in 1972 by Ted Heath’s Conservative government. If it had been adjusted for inflation the payment would be worth around £115 today.
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£10 Christmas Bonus: Who’s Eligible and Why It’s Not Enough to Tackle Cost of Living Crisis (PHOTO: Paycheck)
Calls for Welfare Reform Amid Cost of Living Crisis
David Southgate a policy manager at the disability equality charity Scope pointed out that the Christmas Bonus while welcome is not enough to address the financial struggles many disabled people face. He emphasized that many who rely on benefits cannot afford basic essentials like food and heating. Southgate called for urgent reforms to the welfare system to ensure that benefits cover the essential costs of living. As the cost of living crisis continues many Britons are urged to check their eligibility for various benefits as research has shown that around £19 billion of support goes unclaimed each year across the UK. This unclaimed support could provide much-needed financial relief to households struggling during these challenging times.
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