DWP Christmas Bonus 2024: Who’s Eligible and How Much?

What Is the DWP Christmas Bonus?

The Christmas Bonus is a one-off, tax-free payment of £10 made before Christmas to those receiving qualifying benefits. It is paid automatically into the same account as your usual benefits you do not need to apply.

The bonus is issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Who Is Eligible in 2024?

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You’ll qualify for the Christmas Bonus if, during the qualifying week (usually the first full week of December), you are present or ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK and receive at least one of the following benefits:

1. State Pension
2. Pension Credit (including Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit)
3. Attendance Allowance
4. Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
5. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
6. Carer’s Allowance
7. War Widow(er)’s Pension
8. Widowed Mother’s/Parent’s Allowance
9. Incapacity Benefit (at a long-term rate)
10. Employment and Support Allowance (contribution-based)
11. Constant Attendance Allowance
12. You only need to receive one qualifying benefit to be eligible.

Payment Date for 2024

In 2024, the qualifying week is expected to be 2–6 December.
The bonus will be paid automatically in mid-December, typically by 20 December 2024.

There’s no need to apply, but make sure your benefit payments are up to date and that your bank details are correct with the DWP.

How Much Is the Christmas Bonus?

The bonus remains £10, tax-free, and does not affect any other benefits you receive. While it may seem modest, it is guaranteed and can be combined with other winter assistance, like: Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments, and Pension Credit top-ups. 

Checklist: Will You Get the Bonus?

Are you living in the UK, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, or Gibraltar during the first full week of December?
Are you receiving one or more of the eligible benefits listed above?
Are your DWP payment details current?

If you answered “yes” to all three, then you should receive the £10 bonus automatically.

What If I Don’t Receive It?

If you think you should have received the bonus but didn’t:

- Wait until at least 20 December 2024
- Contact the Pension Service or relevant DWP department
- Have your National Insurance number and benefit details ready

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply for the Christmas Bonus?

No. If you’re eligible, the payment is made automatically to your bank account.

Is the bonus taxable or declared as income?

No. It is tax-free and does not affect other benefits or income thresholds.

Can people living abroad get the bonus?

Yes, but only if they live in the EEA, Switzerland, or certain qualifying countries, and already receive eligible benefits.

The Christmas Bonus 2024, though symbolic in value, remains a reliable and welcome benefit for millions of pensioners and disabled individuals in the UK. It is part of the government’s seasonal support plan and pairs with other financial measures to ease winter costs.

If you or a loved one is unsure about eligibility or benefits, don’t hesitate to seek free advice from organisations like Age UK, Citizens Advice, or your local council.

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