The code to look out for as DWP Christmas bonus payments land in bank accounts

Millions of people who claim benefits will receive a £10 bonus payment from the Department of Work and Pensions from this week.

The payment is made from the first full week of December and is paid to everyone receiving one of the 21 qualifying benefits. to help with extra costs and bills during the festive period.

The tax-free amount is sent out automatically - meaning there is no need to apply for it. It will not affect any other benefits you get.

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If you think you are eligible for the payment then the code to look out for in your bank account to make sure you have received it is DWP XB.

To receive the payment you must claim at least one of the following benefits in the ‘qualifying week’ - which is the first full week of December:

The Christmas payment was first introduced as part of the Pensioners’ and Family Income Supplement Payments Act in 1972 and if two people in a household are separately claiming benefits, they will receive £10 each.

If you think you should have received the bonus, but have not done so by January 1, you should contact the Jobcentre Plus office that deals with your payments or the Pension Service.