DWP Christmas Bonus 2026 Universal Credit claimants excluded, Digi Mart USA News (United Kingdom): The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that claimants receiving Universal Credit will miss out on this year’s Christmas Bonus payment. Extra cash is handed out to households claiming a range of qualifying benefits to help with costs over the festive period.
The DWP has listed the qualifying benefits for this year. Universal Credit is not among them, and neither is Housing Benefit, so people who claim only those benefits will not receive the extra payment.
Qualifying benefits include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance. Carer’s Allowance and Carer Support Payment also count, and State Pension recipients are eligible too.
The Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas to people receiving certain benefits in the qualifying week, which is normally the first full week of December. The DWP says claimants do not need to apply, as the payment should be made automatically.
The payment is often criticised for its low amount. It has not risen in line with inflation, so its value falls each year, although the DWP says it can still provide a small boost over Christmas.
Payments are normally made into a bank account and may appear on statements as ‘DWP XB’.
