Why millions are getting £10 paid into their bank accounts by the DWP

A special payment has started entering bank accounts

Households across the UK are starting to receive special £10 payments from the DWP in the run-up to Christmas. Anyone who qualifies may have already seen the payment when checking their bank statement.

And it might leave them wondering why they have received the money. The cash is the DWP Christmas Bonus, a one-off payment paid to eligible households over the festive period.

Some people have already reported receiving the money. It's a one-off payment of £10 which aims to help low-income households, pensioners and the disabled in the run-up to Christmas, though critics argue it's not enough.

READ MORE: DWP Christmas Bonus blow to Universal Credit claimants as those to get payment revealed

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Those receiving certain benefits will get the bonus. A list of benefits households need to be receiving has been published by the DWP.

Universal Credit is not on the list. That means those who receive Universal Credit as a standalone benefit will not qualify.

Many Universal Credit claimants will also receive one of the qualifying benefits, however, making them eligible. The list of qualifying benefits can be seen below. Money has already started entering bank accounts and will continue to be paid out during December.

The bonus is paid to those who receive at least one of the following payments during the 'qualifying week', normally this week, the first full week of December. No-one who is eligible should need to apply - the cash should be paid out automatically.

• 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