DWP to hand extra cash to pensioners who will still get Winter Fuel Payment

The qualifying week is usually the first whole week of December, which this year is December 1 – December 8. It is paid automatically so anyone entitled to the payment doesn’t need to apply.

The bonus was first introduced in 1972 and aims to help cover some of the additional costs associated with Christmas. Most people claiming DWP benefits will be entitled to this year’s £10 Christmas bonus.

All state pensioners are also eligible, irrespective of their income. Universal Credit recipients are only entitled to the bonus if they also receive one of the qualifying benefits.

The payment should appear on bank statements as “DWP XB”. If you don’t receive the payment automatically and you believe that you should, you will need to contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Pension Centre.

Here’s a full list of all the benefits that qualify for the cash boost:

• Armed forces independence payment
• Attendance allowance
• Carer’s allowance
• Child disability payment
• Constant attendance allowance
• Contribution-based employment and support allowance
• Disability living allowance
• Incapacity benefit at the long-term rate
• Industrial death benefit (for widows or widowers)
• Mobility supplement
• Pension credit – the guarantee element
• Personal independence payment (PIP)
• State pension
• Severe disablement allowance
• Unemployability supplement or allowance
• War disablement pension
• War widow’s pension
• Widowed mother’s allowance
• Widowed parent’s allowance
• Widow’s pension