DWP Update: £10 Christmas Bonus & 5 Important Checks
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a £10 Christmas bonus for eligible claimants, along with a reminder of five essential checks to make before the festive season. This guide breaks down these updates and helps you understand if you qualify for the bonus and how to ensure you're receiving all the benefits you're entitled to.
£10 Christmas Bonus: Who Qualifies?
The £10 Christmas bonus is a one-off payment provided by the DWP to eligible claimants during the festive season. To qualify for this bonus, you must be receiving one of the following benefits on a specific date:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Universal Credit
Important Note: You must be receiving these benefits on November 22, 2023, to be eligible for the £10 Christmas bonus. The payment will be automatically processed and delivered with your regular benefits payment.
5 Essential Checks Before Christmas:
With the festive season approaching, the DWP has emphasized the importance of reviewing your benefits and ensuring you're receiving all the support you need. Here are five vital checks to make:
- Benefit Entitlement:
- Use the DWP's Benefit Entitlement Calculator to determine if you qualify for additional benefits or if you're receiving the correct amount for your current circumstances. Life events like a change in income, marital status, or caring responsibilities can impact your eligibility.
- Cost of Living Payment:
- Check if you're eligible for any Cost of Living Payments offered by the government. These payments are designed to help individuals and families with the rising cost of living and may be available to claimants of various benefits.
- Housing Costs:
- Review your housing costs to ensure they are accurate and updated. You may be entitled to additional support for your housing expenses if you qualify for certain benefits.
- Disability Benefits:
- If you have a disability, ensure you're receiving all the disability benefits you're entitled to. The DWP offers a range of disability benefits to help cover the additional expenses associated with living with a disability.
- Child Benefit:
- If you have children, make sure you're claiming Child Benefit. This benefit provides financial support for families with children and is often overlooked.
Contact the DWP:
If you have any questions about your benefits or need help understanding your entitlements, you can contact the DWP by phone or online:
- Telephone: 0800 145 1900
- Online: You can access a range of information and resources on the DWP website.
Conclusion:
The DWP's reminder about the £10 Christmas bonus and the importance of regular benefit checks is timely as we head into the festive season. It's crucial to ensure you're receiving all the support you're entitled to, especially during challenging economic times. By taking the time to review your benefits and utilize available resources, you can maximize your financial well-being and enjoy a less stressful holiday season.