DWP bonus payment coming for all PIP claimants

Cash boost is aimed to help out with costs over winter

Over three million Brits who claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will be getting extra bonus payments in the run-up to Christmas. Claimants will notice an extra £10 in their bank accounts during December.

Many may be confused about what the money is. It is the DWP's Christmas Bonus which is given out every year to people on certain benefits to provide a small boost over the festive period.

It's normally paid into bank accounts just before Christmas. Qualifying benefits include PIP, Carer's Allowance and Pension Credit. But those who get Universal Credit as a standalone benefit will not get the Christmas Bonus.

READ MORE: DWP sending letters to millions of households in October about automatic £150 payment

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While the bonus is intended to provide some of the worst-off households with a boost, critics have claimed it is worth such a small amount it hardly makes any difference. There have also been complaints the £10 rate hasn't changed for years despite rising inflation.

It also comes amid the row over Winter Fuel Payments, which will see millions of pensioners lose up to £300 this year. The Government says: "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. You must also get at least one of the (qualifying) benefits in the ‘qualifying week’ - this is normally the first full week of December."