Universal Credit claimants told they will not get payment

The Government has confirmed who will get extra support over Christmas

People who receive Universal Credit (UC) as a standalone benefit will not receive a DWP bonus payment this Christmas. Households on a number of benefits will qualify for the money but not those who only get UC.

The Christmas Bonus is given out by the Government during December with the aim of providing a little help during the expensive and often financially stressful period. The DWP has named the benefits which will qualify for the £10 payment.

Many low-income households will qualify for the boost. But UC as a standalone benefit is not on the list.

READ MORE: People on these DWP benefits told payments will stop by Christmas

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Many on UC also get other benefits which means they will be eligible. Qualifying benefits include PIP, Pension Credit and Carer's Allowance.

The £10 Christmas Bonus is handed out every year, though there has been criticism the amount hasn't increased in years despite inflation and cost of living pressures. The Government says of the bonus: "The Christmas Bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas, paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week.

"This is normally the first full week of December. You do not need to claim - you should get paid automatically."

The full list of qualifying benefits are:

• Adult Disability Payment
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Carer Support Payment
• 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