Exact dates millions on Universal Credit and other benefits will get Christmas bonus – check if you qualify

MILLIONS on Universal Credit and other benefits could be in line for a much-needed cash boost over the festive period.

Eligible households will get a £10 Christmas bonus this year.

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Although it may seem like a small amount, every little helps over the costly holiday season.

As the £10 is a bonus, it won't need to be repaid and it won't affect any other benefit you receive.

The payment is usually paid in the first full week of December, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed.

Who is eligible for the Christmas bonus?

To get the Christmas bonus you need to get one of the following benefits along with Universal Credit.

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You need to be getting it in what's known as the qualifying week, which is usually the first week of December.

• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Child Disability Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
• 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 (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
• Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
• Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
• War Widow’s Pension
• Widowed Mother’s Allowance
• Widowed Parent’s Allowance
• Widow’s Pension

To qualify, as well as receiving one of the above benefits, you must also live in or be a resident of one of the following:

• The UK
• The Channel Islands
• The Isle of Man
• Gibraltar
• Switzerland
• Any European Economic Area (EEA) country

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How do I claim the Christmas bonus?

The £10 Christmas bonus is paid automatically so you don't need to claim.

You'll get it paid into the same account where you normally receive your benefit payments and it should show up in your statement as "DWP XB" or something similar.

If you think you qualify but you don’t receive a payment automatically, you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Pension Centre.

Meanwhile, we reveal 11 Universal Credit loopholes you need to be aware of.

Plus, we list all the discounts and benefits you can get worth thousands of pounds if you're getting divorced - including Universal Credit.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

You can also join our new Sun Money to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.